With India being the largest producer of spices worldwide, kitchens in the country often remain filled with the aroma of spicy food. This is something that Indians take pride in rather than going for the regular bland taste of food items. However, cooking spicy food, especially when you have to cut chilies, might cause you to experience pepper burns.
Pepper burns, or hot pepper hands, is the severe burning sensation on the skin that is frequently caused by handling chilli peppers. The main cause of this discomfort is capsaicin, a key chemical component that provides chilis their characteristic heat.
Capsaicin is released when people cut hot peppers. Once it touches the skin, it immediately triggers the pain receptors and causes pepper burns- an unpleasant burning or stinging sensation.
While capsaicin does not burn the skin, it activates the pain receptors in the body. It can irritate sensitive areas like the mouth, nose, and eyes.
Experts Advice?
The stinging sensation on the hands can be extremely dangerous if you unknowingly touch your eyes.
To do away with this, MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria has shared an informative video on Instagram and recommended applying dairy products, such as butter, yoghurt, cream, or milk, to treat these burns.
Another way to deal with this is by using a bowl of water and a tablespoon of sugar, digital creative Maria Mohni shared on social media. To get rid of the scorching feeling that people get while working with chillies and peppers in the kitchen, she advised people to immerse their hands in sugar water for a minute.
In the caption, she said that her mother-in-law uses this ‘totka,’ which works “miraculously fast.”
Another method is to apply oil or dish soap to dissolve capsaicin. Also, people can use a cloth-wrapped ice pack or soak hands in cool water.
Pepper Burns: Home Remedies To Cure
Baking Soda- Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste, then apply it straight on your hands. Before you wash it off, let it dry completely.
Milk or Yoghurt- This one is based on the idea that chilli peppers dissolve better in fats and oils than in water. Some people vouch for this, while others say it’s an urban legend! Until the burning stops, soak your hands in the milk or yoghurt.
Alcohol- A generous splash of rubbing alcohol or even high-proof alcohol like vodka can help wash away the capsaicin and chilli oil because they are more soluble in alcohol than in water.
Stainless Steel- Painful pepper oil should also be able to be removed by stainless steel. To help eliminate the oils, try rubbing your hands on a block of stainless steel. After you’re done, wash your hands with dish soap.
Even while “hot pepper hands” are usually treatable at home, if you have blisters, extreme pain, or a burning feeling that doesn’t go away after therapy, you should contact a doctor.
These remedies can help you improve your cooking experience and enjoy spicy meals.
