Pepper spray, or OC spray, is a lachrymatory agent used mainly in self-defense and riot control. It is made with a hot pepper extract, which causes significant discomfort and pain when it touches the skin, eyes, nose, and mouth. However, there are many ways to remove pepper spray from your skin very quickly. This guide will help you know how to get pepper spray off your skin safely and efficiently.
Use Oil or Lotion
One of the quickest ways to treat skin exposed to pepper spray is by using oil. Oils help dissolve the capsaicin and lift it off the skin. Baby oil, mineral oil, and aloe vera gel are good options.
Start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water – you don’t want to spread the residue around. Then, the oil should be applied liberally over the affected area. Gently rub it in to dissolve the pepper spray. Allow it to sit for a minute or two before wiping it off with a clean cloth. The oil will take the irritant with it. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove it completely.
The thicker the oil or lotion, the better it will trap and remove the capsaicin.
Wash With Soap and Water
After using an oil treatment:
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Use a mild or gentle soap that won’t further irritate the skin.
- Avoid using very hot water, as this can make the irritation worse.
Lather up the soap between your hands and gently wash the affected area. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Be sure to wash your hands afterward as well. This will help eliminate any residual oils or capsaicin left on the skin.
You can repeat the soap washing a few times until the irritation subsides. It may also help to use a wet washcloth to gently dab the area and rinse off any remaining soap or pepper spray. Just be careful not to scrub too hard.
Using Milk
Believe it or not, plain milk can also help when getting pepper spray off the skin. The proteins in milk bind to the capsaicin molecules, pulling them away from nerve receptors in the skin. This provides a soothing effect against the burning sensation.
Pour some milk over the exposed area. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes so the milk can thoroughly neutralize the irritant. Then, gently wipe off the milk with a soft cloth. Repeat this as needed until the stinging goes away.
The cold temperature of milk can also help provide relief from inflammation. Whole milk works best, but you can also use 2% or other varieties. Just make sure to use regular dairy milk, not plant-based milk. It is an effective way to know how to get pepper spray off the skin.
Take a Cool Bath
Taking a bath can help soothe skin irritated by pepper spray. The cool water will wash away any remaining residue and relieve the affected area. Run a lukewarm bath and soak the irritated area in the water for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the water is cool rather than hot, as hot water can aggravate the skin even more.
You can add baking soda, oatmeal, or Epsom salts to the bath water as an extra step. These can help draw out irritation, reduce swelling, and neutralize any lingering pepper spray.
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after getting out of the bath to avoid spreading capsaicin to your eyes or other mucous membranes. Pat your skin dry gently with a clean towel.
Avoid Hot Showers
It may be tempting to jump in a hot shower if you’ve been pepper sprayed, but this can worsen the irritation. The hot water causes the capsaicin to spread, increasing inflammation and pain. Stick to lukewarm or cool water only when rinsing off. Hot water will open your pores and allow more pepper spray to penetrate deeper.
Cool water soothes the inflamed nerves and constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling. It also helps wash away surface oils that may contain residual capsaicin.
If you shower, keep it brief and use cool water. Resist vigorous scrubbing or harsh soaps. Be extremely gentle, as the skin will be highly sensitive.
Use Hydrocortisone Cream
Applying hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and discomfort caused by pepper spray exposure. Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid that decreases swelling, redness, and itching. Look for a 1% hydrocortisone formulation available over the counter without a prescription. Gently apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2-3 times daily. This can quickly calm irritation and promote healing. Use only as directed and do not apply to large body surface areas. Avoid using hydrocortisone cream on the face or other sensitive regions. Discontinue use if irritation persists or worsens.
Conclusion
Coming into contact with pepper spray can be very uncomfortable and painful. Fortunately, there are many simple and effective ways to get pepper spray residue off your skin. Oils, milk, cool water, and hydrocortisone cream can help remove the capsaicin and soothe inflammation. Avoid hot showers and vigorous scrubbing, which tend to worsen irritation. Most cases can be treated at home, but severe reactions may require medical care. With the proper response, you can find relief and allow your skin to heal after accidental pepper spray exposure.