Get Capsaicin Off Your Fingers

Capsaicin comes from hot peppers. Skin exposed to this must be carefully washed.

Capsaicin is a component of chili peppers. It is what gives them their spicy heat. If you do not wear gloves when processing chilies for cooking, capsaicin oils transfer to your skin. Although you may not notice this right away, you will if you touch your eyes or other sensitive areas. Fortunately, other ingredients in the kitchen help neutralize capsaicin.

Instructions

1. Spread vegetable oil or olive oil generously over your fingers. Rub the oils in and they will help dilute the capsaicin oil. Alternatively, dip your fingers in white vinegar to neutralize the capsaicin oil.

2. Apply soap to your fingers and work it into a lather. Rinse with warm water. Wash your hands once more with dish soap and warm water. Pat your hands dry with a towel.

3. Soak your hands in a bowl of whole milk, yogurt or sour cream if you still feel burning on your skin. Rinse your hands after 10 to 15 minutes and pat dry. If you still feel some burning, soak your hands again in the milk, yogurt or sour cream until the burning finally goes away.

Tags: your hands, milk yogurt, milk yogurt sour, neutralize capsaicin, sour cream, still feel, warm water