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Burn remedies The effects of hot pepper burns can range from mild stinging to a severely painful and debilitating burning sensation. Unfortunately, the best cure in this case is prevention. Always wear rubber gloves (not latex, because the capsaicin in the peppers seeps through latex) when you cut or otherwise handle chili peppers.
Once you've burnt yourself, there's not much you can do except periodically ease the pain and wait it out. Hot pepper burns can sometimes last for days.
The first course of action when you notice a burning sensation after handling peppers is to get the capsaicin off your skin.
Plain water doesn't do the trick, and neither does vinegar. If you're using water, combine it with soap, shampoo or a stronger detergent. Alternatively, use an oily substance — paraffin oil, vegetable oil, petroleum jelly, or even a moisturizing lotion or cream. Later, if the pain persists, cold water or ice will do the trick. Better still, however, is a bowl of plain, cold milk. You can soak your hands in a bowl of cold milk several times a day. In between, application of an aloe gel will also help. If the pain is too severe, or persists for more than a few days, you should visit your doctor.
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