Help!! How can I get chilli residue off my hands?

[sleepyhead]

I was making pickled chillies this afternoon and foolishly used my fingers to remove the seeds from the 20 odd chillies I was using rather than the end of a teaspoon as suggested in the recipe.

That was 3 hours ago and I still get a burny mouth if I lick my fingers. This wouldn't be such a big deal if it wasn't that I have 5 month old ds2 to look after and I'm scared I'm going to get chilli on him feeding or changing him. I did bedtime with gloves on

I've washed and scrubbed my fingers several times. Is there some magic trick to neutralise the chilli?

Chili is oil soluable - I would try rubbing oil liberally around my hands and under my nails then adding straight detergent ie no water, building an emulsion and then washing off with hot water, repeat as necessary. Good luck, I remember getting a bit horny after making a curry, dh and I were both in the shower for an age - ouch!

Wash with toothpaste. Afaik toothpaste is alkali and will neutralise the chilli acid

Thank you! The oil seems to have worked. I rubbed my eye and am not screaming so I think the residue has gone.

Might give my hands a scrub with the toothpaste when I go to bed just to be sure...

I have no suggestion but from past experience may I take this opportunity to recommend that you neither a) take your contacts out nor b) insert a tampon.

Just don't.

Rubbing hands with neat washing up liquid, then rinsing works for me.

And to add to mrs oaken shields list, don't use a suppository either.

Wear some latex gloves when you next deal with chillies, I prefer to use a finger rather than a teaspoon (which leads to seeds pinging all over the kitchen, ime), so I get a big box in the pound shop. and that lasts for ages

Good plan re: gloves. I ended up with a streaming nose last night from a stray bit of chilli oil (serves me right for picking ) so gave the toothpaste a go. So from a combination of all of the above it's finally gone.

I have very smooth hands now though.