How To Get Rid Of Pepper Spray

How To Get Rid Of Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is considered a non-lethal weapon, often used as a deterrent by civilians and law enforcement. Oleoresin capsicum is a derivative of the pepper plant and is the main ingredient of the spray. This ingredient is mixed with a propellant or solvent to create a mist ejected from a handheld device to temporarily disable an attacker. Although generally considered only an irritant, pepper spray can have serious effects depending on the amount of capsicum oleoresin and types of active ingredients which vary by manufacturer. In general, an appropriate first aid treatment after direct or indirect exposure is to let the side effects resolve themselves with time. However, at OneHowTo we want to show you how to get rid of pepper spray.

You'll need:
  • Mineral water
  • Towels
  • non-oil based soap
  • Gloves
  • Bag or sealed container
Steps to follow:
1

Leave the area of exposure to prevent further irritation. If possible find a well ventilated area with wind or a fan. A breeze will decrease the pain associated with exposure to pepper spray. Do not touch your eyes or come in to contact with irritated skin. Try to stay calm.

2

To get rid of pepper spray off your hands, wash your hands with soap which isn't oil-based to remove any residue. Oil-based soaps, can cause further irritation. Eliminating oleoresin capsicum waste will avoid exposure of other areas of the body to pepper spay.

3

Dry your hands with a clean towel. Be sure to be careful and dry them thoroughly. Unnecessary use of force or pressure will increase the pain.

4

IF you have been pepper sprayed and wear contact lenses, remove them if necessary. Only remove your lens after the hands have been cleaned with a non-oil based soap. Wash your hands again after discarding lenses to remove any residue.

5

Flush eyes with cool tap water to remove pepper spay from that area. Use an eyewash station, hose or tap to continually expose your eyes to water for fifteen minutes. Let the water run over your eyes, keeping your eyelids open as much as possible.

6

If additional body parts are exposed, take off your clothes and rinse exposed skin under a cold shower for fifteen minutes. Use non-oil based soap to remove residue from the skin. Dry when finished.

7

Apply an ice pack or cold compress on the eye area, or any other irritated region to reduce irritation and inflammation.

8

If symptoms do not improve within 45 minutes, or if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How To Get Rid Of Pepper Spray, we recommend you visit our Drugs & supplements category.

Tips
  • Put exposed clothing in a sealed bag or container and discard to prevent further exposure and irritation.
  • If you are helping someone who has been exposed to pepper spray, wear gloves to avoid personal contamination.
  • Do not rub your eyes or skin upon exposure to pepper spray. Rubbing will worsen the effects of pepper spray.
  • Do not use creams or lotions. The use of these will trap the oleoresin capsicum against the skin.