Working in the kitchen can come with its own set of unforeseen challenges. And if you like cooking spicy food and regularly handle chilies, pepper burns may not be new to you. Capsaicin, the main chemical component that gives chilis their characteristic heat, triggers the pain receptors in our skin and causes these burns. This can range from a mild stinging sensation to red, irritated skin that is painful to touch. The stinging sensation on the palms can be hazardous if you unmindfully touch your eyes or come in contact with babies. So what can you do?
MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria shared an Instagram video suggesting using dairy products like milk, cream, yoghurt, or butter to remove these burns.
Digital creator Maria Mohni also took to social media to share another easy hack involving a bowl of water and a spoonful of sugar. In the video, she dips her hands in sugar water for a minute to eliminate the burning sensation she experiences when handling chilies and peppers in the kitchen. In the caption, she mentions that this is her mother-in-law’s totka and works “miraculously fast.”
To learn more, we reached out to chef Ananya Banerjee who shared three things you can do in the kitchen to fight chilli burns:
Soak in Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Acidic solutions can neutralize capsaicin. Dip your hands in vinegar or rub them with lemon juice for a few minutes. Wash with soap and water afterward.
Apply Oil or Dish Soap: Capsaicin is soluble in oil. Rub cooking or olive oil on your hands and then wash them with grease-cutting dish soap. Repeat if necessary.
Cool the Burn: Capsaicin generates a burning sensation by triggering pain receptors, not heat. Cooling can help soothe the discomfort. Soak your hands in cool water or apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth. Avoid hot water, as it can worsen the burning sensation.
