Quick and Safe Home Remedies for Treating Chili Burns

Chili contains capsaicin, a substance that causes chili burns and enhances the spicy flavor of food. Capsaicin has a strong heating effect and is commonly used in chili spray.

While chili burns are usually not serious, timely treatment can provide relief and help prevent complications such as skin inflammation or darkening. Since capsaicin is an oily substance, it can be effectively removed using cleaning agents.

How to Treat Chili Burns and Chili Mouth

If you experience a chili burn or have a chili mouth, it’s important not to use dishwashing liquid or cleaning water with cleaning ingredients to remove capsaicin oil. These ingredients can be harmful if ingested and have an unpleasant taste. Instead, you can alleviate the burning sensation and chili burns by using cold milk and ice cubes.

How to Treat Chili Mouth with Cold Milk

Rich in fat and oil, milk can help dissolve capsaicin oil responsible for chili burns. It also contains casein, a protein that counters the effects of capsaicin. To relieve a burning sensation in the mouth, drink cold milk for a few minutes or apply it to the affected area of the skin. You can also soak a cloth in milk and apply it to the burned area for better results.

How to Treat Chili Burns on Hands with Dishwashing Water or Hand Wash Water

Water will not soothe chili burns and can actually worsen the condition by spreading capsaicin faster. Dishwashing liquid is safe for skin use as it’s designed to remove grease from dishes. It’s an effective ingredient for removing capsaicin oil from the skin. If the burn persists after one wash, perform multiple rinses.

Use Cooking Oil or Petroleum Jelly

If you cannot use dishwashing liquid, cooking oil (such as vegetable oil) or olive oil can be used to neutralize capsaicin oil and soothe chili burns. After applying the oil to the skin for about a minute, rinse with soap and water. Petroleum jelly can also provide relief as it contains oil that soothes burns.

Use Vinegar

Soaking burned hands in diluted vinegar can effectively remove capsaicin oil and soothe chili burns. Foods containing acid, such as lemon or tomato, can have a similar effect as vinegar.

Use Alcohol or Baking Soda

Alcohol and baking soda are emergency measures to quickly reduce the pain of chili burns on the hands. After using these remedies, soak your hands in cold milk for complete treatment. Alcohol dissolves capsaicin oil, while baking soda absorbs moisture. To use baking soda, mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio to form a thick mixture, apply it to the chili burn, let it dry, and rinse with water.

Use Cold Stones

Applying a cold stone to the burned area can help reduce the pain of chili burns. You can either apply a cold piece of stone directly on the skin or roll a stone in a towel and gently apply it to the burned area. Repeat this process several times to soothe the burn. With continued application, the burn should disappear within a few hours.

Use Tea Bags to Relieve Pain

If you don’t have fresh milk on hand, you can use tea bags as a temporary solution to relieve the burning sensation of chili burns. Apply a tea bag to the affected area or use a paper towel soaked in tea to apply.