Before applying remedies

• Should you get doused by pepper spray, don't rub and don't panic. Panicking and rubbing will cause the burning to spread and intensify. The capsicum inflames your capillaries, and rubbing the affected area opens up your capillaries. You need to blow your nose, cough, breathe slowly, rinse your mouth, spit and avoid swallowing if possible. Also, if you wear contacts, you should immediately have someone remove them for you. You don't want to touch the contacts with contaminated fingers.
  
  

Antacid, Canola Oil and Alcohol

• Starhawk.com, an organization dedicated to political activism, has experimented with a few different remedies due to its experiences with pepper spray exposure. Starhawk suggests a mixture of half antacid like Maalox and half water for the eyes and mouth. Use a spray bottle or bottle with a squirt cap to irrigate the eyes with the antacid/water mixture. Also rinse your mouth with the solution to help the burning subside. For the afflicted skin area, apply a rag drenched with canola oil and then follow by an application of rubbing alcohol.
  
  

Whole milk and Dawn

• The pepper-spray-store.com offers another treatment for exposure to pepper spray. Spraying the skin with whole milk will alleviate the flaming pain. Whole milk will cool the burning but will not disperse the oil. To get rid of the oil, use a solution of 25 percent Dawn or any grease fighting liquid dish detergent mixed with 75 percent water. First, plunge your face into a bucketful or sinkful of the solution for 10 to 15 seconds at a time. Repeat at least seven to eight times with the soapy water. Don't wipe off the water and soap. Let it soak into your skin. After the detergent has had a chance to break down the oil, you can start to lightly rub the detergent into your skin.
  
  

Firefighter Recommendations

• Firefighters offer a few tips on relieving the effects of pepper spray at firehouse.com. One fireman suggested using baby shampoo mixed with sugar and water to neutralize the sting of pepper. Another fireman found that sudecon spray is effective, but this is purchased through law enforcement suppliers.