Have you ever been cooking with a type of pepper and your hands get spicy? And no matter how much you wash them, they keep burning?
This is due to a substance called capsaicin, which is responsible for the pepper spiciness. The more capsaicin a pepper contains, the hotter it will be. The heat level can be measured on the Scoville scale, where the number of Scoville Heat Units (SHU) indicated the amount of capsaicin present, with higher SHU values indicating higher levels of capsaicin and a hotter taste and sensation
If you're not used to cooking with spicy peppers, the best way to prevent your hands get chili burned is by using kitchen gloves. But if you forgot to use gloves or don't have any available, here are some of our favorite remedies to relieve the burning sensation:
Baking soda
Baking soda is a staple in our pantry and can be used for various purposes, including cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene.
This ingredient is also useful for relieving the burning sensation after cooking with chili peppers, as baking soda reacts with the spice and helps neutralize the capsaicin oil.
The way we can use baking soda to relieve the pain when your hands get chili burned is by creating a paste by mixing a little baking soda with water. Apply the paste to your hands or wherever you feel the burning sensation and let it sit for a few minutes. Once it's completely dry, rinse it off with water.
Dish soap
We all have dish soap in our kitchen. And why does dish soap work better than regular hand soap?
Most dish soaps contain ingredients that help dissolve oils, making them effective in removing the burning sensation after handling chili peppers as they neutralize the capsaicin oil.
Oil
Using some type of oil, such as vegetable or olive oil, helps dissolve the capsaicin oil.
Just apply a few drops and rub it on the affected area. You can even use oil as a preventive measure by rubbing a little oil on your hands before cutting the chili pepper.
Milk
Have you ever heard that if you get too spicy you should drink milk? Milk contains a protein called casein, which can break down capsaicin, similar to how dish soap can remove grease. It is also believed that the fat content in dairy products helps dissolve the capsaicin oil.
Alcohol
Capsaicin is more soluble in alcohol than in water, so rubbing a bit of alcohol on your hands or the affected area can help alleviate the burning sensation.
These are some of our homemade recommendations that will help you relieve that burning sensation after cooking with spicy ingredients. We hope that one of these options will help you find some relief. cuando se te enchilan las manos.
