What is the treatment for a burning sensation on the hands after handling jalapeños?

Treatment for Burning Sensation After Jalapeño on the Hands

The most effective treatment for a burning sensation on the hands after handling jalapeños is to wash the hands with soap and water, followed by soaking in vegetable oil which provides the best long-term relief from capsaicin-induced burning.

Understanding Jalapeño Burns

Jalapeño peppers contain capsaicin, which causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with skin. This is not a true burn but rather an irritant contact dermatitis that can be quite uncomfortable.

Treatment Algorithm

Immediate Relief:

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water

   • Use warm water and soap to remove as much capsaicin as possible 1
   • Wash for at least 15 seconds, covering all surfaces of hands and fingers
   • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a disposable towel

2. Apply vegetable oil

   • Research shows vegetable oil provides the best long-term relief for capsaicin burns 2
   • Apply liberally to affected areas and let sit for several minutes
   • Wipe off with a clean cloth or paper towel

3. Alternative treatments if oil is unavailable:

   • Cool water immersion (provides good initial relief) 2
   • Milk soaking (both whole and skim milk are effective due to protein content) 3

What NOT to do:

• Avoid using rubbing alcohol on the skin

  • Can cause significant drying of the skin
  • Creates fire hazards with flash points of 21-24°C
  • Not recommended by CDC for cooling skin 4
  • May increase skin irritation and absorption of capsaicin

• Avoid using ice directly on the skin

  • Can cause tissue damage 1
  • May worsen irritation

For Persistent Symptoms:

• Apply a petroleum-based ointment to soothe the skin 1
• Consider over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs 1
• If symptoms are severe or persistent (lasting more than 24 hours), consider seeking medical attention

Prevention for Future Handling:

• Wear disposable gloves when handling hot peppers 1
• Avoid touching face, eyes, or other sensitive areas while handling peppers
• Wash cutting boards and utensils thoroughly after use

Special Considerations:

• If the burning sensation is accompanied by significant swelling, blistering, or severe pain, seek medical attention
• For individuals with pre-existing skin conditions, the irritation may be more severe and might require medical evaluation

The burning sensation from jalapeños typically resolves within a few hours with proper treatment, though in some cases it may persist longer. The vegetable oil method has been shown to be most effective for long-term relief in research studies specifically examining chile pepper burns on hands 2.