How to Cure a Hot Pepper Burn?
Handling hot peppers can sometimes lead to a fiery sensation on your hands that lingers, thanks to the potent compound capsaicin. However, there’s a simple household solution to help you cool down and alleviate that burning sensation.
To create this effective remedy, you only need two readily available ingredients: baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Here’s how to prepare it:
- In a bowl, combine 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to the mixture.
The reason this concoction works so well is based on the science behind it.
When you handle hot peppers, the capsaicin molecules from the peppers can bind to receptors on your skin, which triggers a painful burning sensation. Hydrogen peroxide, often used as a wound-cleaning agent, serves as a debriding agent. It can help physically remove the capsaicin from the surface of your skin, particularly when combined with a base like baking soda. Baking soda helps create a more alkaline environment, enhancing the effectiveness of the hydrogen peroxide in neutralizing the capsaicin.
One important caution: Ensure you don’t come into contact with this solution near your eyes, as it could cause irritation. So, after applying the mixture, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, and you’ll find relief from the scorching sensation of handling hot peppers.
This remedy is a handy, easy-to-make solution for those who enjoy cooking with spicy peppers but want to avoid the burn afterward.