Pepper Spray Exposer: 5 Handy Steps to Follow
Carrying pepper spray, or what is also known as mace, holds the possible risk of accidental exposure, when you accidentally shoot into the wind or drop some of the product onto your hands or other exposed area of skin. The focal ingredient in chile peppers is oleoresin capscicum, which is also what pepper spray consists of.On the Scoville scale, habanero peppers are rated around 300,000 Scovilles.But pepper spray in comparison is rated between 2-5 million Scovilles.There are a few steps, however, that can mitigate the painful effects of pepper spray.
Cool Water Reduces Pepper Spray Burn
By running cool water over the affected area you can decrease the burning sensation. The continual flow of cool water can be a comfort to the individual. Continue running the water until the burning feeling subsides or it becomes impossible to maintain a cool stream. It may take 30 minutes or longer of consistent submersion to be effective.
Milk Takes the Burn Out of a Pepper Spray Burn
Milk is also a good way to soothe the pain of a pepper spray burn. Whole milk is preferable but any form of milk (1%, 2%, skim, breast milk etc.) will also help. Milk will not remove the potent oils, however, meaning that it will continue to burn once you remove the affected skin from the milk.
Honey is a Home Solution for Burns
Honey is another home remedy that is an ideal alternative to rub into the pepper spray burn which can help to decrease the pain. Honey will need to sit on the affected skin for a while in order to be more effective. Honey also does not remove the offending oils.
Diluted Mild Detergent is a Sort After Home Remedy for Burns
A mixture of 25% mild dish washing detergent and 75% water can be used on the affected areas. Rapid submersions in the solution, 10 to 15 seconds at a time for at least 8 to 10 times, lessen the pain by removing the oils known to cause discomfort. Work the solution into the skin at this point and then repeat as needed with fresh, clean solution.
If Sprayed, Do Not Panic
It is also important to keep your mental state in check, which will help to reduce the pain when there is accidental exposure to pepper spray. Make sure that you or an individual affected stays calm despite the pain, making sure that you keep hands from touching the affected area. If you wipe the affected area you will experience an even greater pain and damage as the oils work their way further into the skin.
Just like sunburn, it is vital to remember that you do not apply any kind of lotion or moisturizer to the affected areas. As a result this will only trap the oils in which causes the pain and damage.