The power of pepper sprays to discourage crimes and prevent physical assaults lies in their potent ingredient that can cause debilitating effects.  Inflammation of the eyes, swollen skin and blocked nasal passages are the necessary effects to temporarily harm a potential criminal in order to give leeway for a potential victim to escape.  With all of these forcefully negative effects on one’s body, what is to be done when the pepper spray gets sprayed on one’s self by accident?  Here are some antidotes to pepper spray that can be performed.

It has been said that no antidote has been proven to be 100% effective.   However, minimizing the effects will greatly help.  At home, a mixture of baking soda, detergent, milk and honey can be used to apply as a topical ointment to the affected skin area.  Successive application is necessary, with careful washings done in between the applications.  Another option would be the combination of cornmeal, honey and milk to relieve the burning sensation.

Another method to immediately relieve the burning sensation in the face is the generous application of milk to the whole facial area.  This can be done by using a clean towel or a spray bottle.  The milk can also be splashed directly on the skin.   This process however, will only relieve the burning sensation without taking off the oils from the pepper spray mixture.

The oil based pepper spray will be difficult to diffuse with water.  One of the known effective antidotes to pepper spray is the immersion method.  This is done by using a solution of 75% water and 25% dishwashing liquid.  The water in this solution is preferably cold.  Prepare a large volume of liquid, around 1 gallon at least, to accommodate 7 to 8 washings.  In this process, the face is immersed in the bowl of solution and is held underneath for 10 to 15 seconds every session.  The detergent component will have the capability to break down the oils.  Once the face is raised, let the water sit and do not touch with the hands or with a towel.  Only after the ritual has been performed for several times can one touch the face lightly with one’s hands.  Do not forget to treat the hands first with the same mixture before holding the affected face. 

Recently, pepper spray decontaminants have been manufactured functioning as decontamination sprays.  They are solely used as antidote sprays for those exposed to pepper spray oils by accident.  They are usually herbal in essence and the ingredients are natural plants and herbs that can effectively erase the negative effects of pepper spray on one’s skin.  Wind direction is one common reason for pepper spray oils to land erroneously on the untargeted person. These accidents necessitate one to bring along a decontaminant spray every time a pepper spray is around.

Much as training and preparation is needed to learn the proper use of a pepper spray, being knowledgeable about its antidotes carries the same weight.  Do not let the effort to protect oneself be the cause of one’s harm.  Become familiar with the useful antidotes to pepper spray.