How can I get my hands to stop burning?

@pinchecat: Vanilloid receptors normally respond to heat, but also react to fun things like capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers that is an irritant and makes us feel the burning sensation.

A more in depth explanation is here.

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@jsimsace: ...and then pee on 'em, and tell us about it afterwards. You might not feel better, but I'm betting we will.

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Bleach, diluted with water (say 1 part bleach to about 15 parts water).

In the future, dip your hands in the water periodically while cutting the peppers and then rinse them. And use gloves.

(Seriously... I've maced myself over 24 hours after chopping habaneros just by rubbing my eye. The burning will subside, but you might want to use vodka or beer to help numb the pain from the inside out.)

BTW- other than being uncomfortable, the burning won't do any long term damage to you.

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Well sleep with an Icepack on my hands woke up still a little burn. but WAY WAY better.

Thanks Much Guys and Girls.

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Peppers (acidic) + Alcohol (base) = exothermic (hot) reaction. You want something neutral that acts as a buffering solution. Milk would have been good if you had any. Maybe some yogurt?

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Good answers here, but all I want to add is, for the love of all that is holy and good in this world do not touch your eyes.

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I did the same thing about 5 years ago--chopped and seeded 400 jalepenos for a party sans gloves. My hands burned for 18 hours and had a dull ache for another 24. Once they start burning, it is typically too late to do anything about it, though the milk (external) and beer (internal) remedies are pretty good. Definitely wear gloves the next time, or at least rinse often! Good luck with the recovery.

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@novastarj: And wear gloves while using the bathroom.

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