How to Stop the Effect of Pepper Spray

Pepper spray can be a life saver when threatened by a would-be assailant. It contains the the chemical capsaicin, found in hot peppers, in a highly concentrated form, and is aimed at an attacker's face and eyes. Reactions range from a burning sensation on skin and in eyes, a runny nose, severe bouts of coughing or general incapacitation, to even blindness in rare cases. Effects last approximately 30 to 60 minutes. If you are accidentally sprayed, there are a few ways to lessen the effects.

Things You'll Need

• Soap or shampoo
• Water
• Eye wash
• Ice packs or wet towels

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove yourself from the sprayed area immediately and take deep breaths of fresh, unaffected air, preferably outside. Try to breathe slowly and avoid the beginnings of a coughing fit.

• 2

  Wash exposed skin with soap or shampoo to get rid of the oil; rinse and repeat washing as needed. Pat dry, don't rub.

• 3

  Remove contact lenses and rinse eyes with eye wash solutions or running water (such as holding your face under a sink faucet) to remove as much of the spray as possible from the eye surface. If you do not have access to water, blink rapidly or cry to promote tears.

• 4

  Apply ice or cold, wet towels to affected skin or eyes to reduce swelling and irritation.

• 5

  Discard or wash thoroughly any exposed clothing, and do not allow it to touch anyone else to avoid contamination. If possible, place the items in a sealed plastic bag. If laundered, run the clothing through several wash cycles to remove all contaminants.