# Does capsaicin INJURE (not cause pain to) mammals? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 5, 2004, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431 "2004-04-05T20:42:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![toadspittle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c0e974/32.png) [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2004, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/1 "2004-04-05T20:42:37Z")
We know birds can eat chile peppers without injury, thanks to this mailbag report: [http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mchili.html](http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mchili.html) But one thing I’ve never gotten straight: Can mammals receive actual chemical burns from capsaicin? We know it fools pain receptors into registering pain, but does it cause tissue damage? I ask because I have often heard about people not washing their hands properly after dicing spicy peppers, and then doing something like, say, removing their contacts ( = capsaicin in the eye = ouch), and people commenting that the individual got a terrible “chemical burn.” What’s the straight dope? True damage, or only illusion? ---
**Author:** ![toadspittle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c0e974/32.png) [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2004, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/2 "2004-04-06T16:49:39Z")
Anyone? SDSAB? ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2004, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/3 "2004-04-06T16:58:54Z")
It is actually used to treat skin conditions, and when there is a feeling of a ‘burn’, it is just that: a feeling. It tricks the nerve receptors. It’s not causing harm that the nerve receptors are signalling, it’s just creating that same burning feeling, without the burning. Well, that goes for the very diluted stuff that is used. But reading this new piece, it claims that pure capsaicin will blister the skin: “…A single milligram of pure capsaicin (the equivalent of about 10 grains of salt) placed on the palm of an ungloved hand would feel like a burning spike and would blister the skin…” [http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues/dispatch/2002-08-23/food\_feature4.html](http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues/dispatch/2002-08-23/food_feature4.html) ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2004, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/4 "2004-04-06T17:07:20Z")
And this fairly scientific look at the molecue states that concentrated amounts of capsaicin does indeed kill cells, and calls it toxic: “High concentrations are toxic. Exposure is painful and even incapacitating. Capsaicin prevents nerve cells from communicating with each other by blocking the production of certain neurotransmitters; at high concentrations it destroys the cells!” [http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/features/capsaicin.shtml](http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/features/capsaicin.shtml) There are references to 11 different studies on the subject by universities, etc. ---
**Author:** ![violet9](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ea666f/32.png) [@violet9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/violet9)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2004, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/5 "2004-04-06T21:57:27Z")
That’s very interesting. Looking through my garden catalogs every spring, I’ve wondered if all the hybridizing in the quest for the firiest, flaming, explosive pepper would eventually produce a genuinely “killer chili.” ---
**Author:** ![kinoons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a698b9/32.png) [@kinoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kinoons)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2004, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/6 "2004-04-07T00:24:29Z")
Its a bit of a strech, but here we go… Mace contains capsaican, and is used to help subdue roudy people by the police and security personel. It is possible for that mace to trigger asthma attacks in some people. If severe enough, that could cause death… ---
**Author:** ![toofs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4491bb/32.png) [@toofs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toofs)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/8 "2011-01-11T12:01:52Z")
Pepper spray can injure, usually if it penetrates the eyeball when sprayed at too close a range. Normally, it simply hurts like a _motherfucker_ and basically overloads your senses. It is a highly effective way of getting the upper hand on a non-compliant or agressive person. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/9 "2011-01-11T12:15:13Z")
> [@keintabak](#): > > This was without a doubt the worst time I’ve spent by myself in recent memory, and I did it not just once but twice. This post raises a lot of questions, but I think the big one is why you did it the second time. And what the reaction in the ER was like the second time. ---
**Author:** ![Crazyhorse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crazyhorse/32/31_2.png) [@Crazyhorse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crazyhorse)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/10 "2011-01-11T12:34:01Z")
> [@keintabak](#): > > So once again, please listen me and believe me when I say that capsaicin in itself will NOT and can NOT permanently damage your body Bad news: Topical use of Capsaicin has been linked to [skin cancer.](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100902121057.htm) Of course those researchers might not have had the depth of clinical experience that you and Juanito have under your belts \ . ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/11 "2011-01-11T14:15:12Z")
> [@keintabak](#): > > I put cayenne powder paste and jalapeno juice in my EYEBALL all the time Have you by any chance been shopping for watermelons lately? ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/12 "2011-01-11T14:47:21Z")
The neurotoxic effects of capsaicin have been documented for decades. [http://www.citeulike.org/user/OkachiVagus/article/1140259](http://www.citeulike.org/user/OkachiVagus/article/1140259) Doesn’t stop me from eating hot stuff, though. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/13 "2011-01-11T15:27:32Z")
I’m fairly certain that applying isopropyl alcohol to the surface of the eye isn’t healthy for it, either, much less the paste of hot peppers that he intended to “decontaminate” with it. Assuming this isn’t just an ever-so hilarious joke, I have to say: I am not a doctor or nurse, but I do work in Ophthalmology, and in my semi-professional opinion, you are risking serious damage to your eye through this practice. ---
**Author:** ![heavyarms553](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/779978/32.png) [@heavyarms553](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heavyarms553)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/14 "2011-01-11T15:28:36Z")
So you are the one putting chili powder in your eye, and we are the stupid ones? > [@](#): > > I learned that capsaicin is used as a topical analgesic, used topically as well as internally for ant-inflammatory, antioxidant, blood pressure regulation, anti-viral, etc., and finally in hair regrowth. I guess you missed the memo that let everyone else know that if a product’s health claims are all encompassing, they are all most likely false. Seriously, you need help. While your self-injurious behavior isn’t outright blinding you, there is no evidence that suggests it has any health benefits. Show me a double blind, placebo controlled study that shows that capsaicin has a clinically significant influence on a disease, and I’ll believe you. The one and only medically feasible use of capsaicin is for the treatment of shingles. When applied regularly, it depletes substance P from presynaptic vesicles and inhibits nociception. It does not speed recovery, but merely acts as a natural analgesic. > [@](#): > > As a final insane and and frightening test to make certain that capsaicin pain is ONLY in the mind, I also put my newly-formulated-and-much-improved capsaicin solution DIRECTLY and THOROUGHLY and COMPLETELY entirely doused it all over my genitalia. That’s right, In The Name Of Science and more than a little masochism, I purposefully ladled copious amounts of highly potent hot pepper solution all over my genitals. This was without a doubt the worst time I’ve spent by myself in recent memory, and I did it not just once but twice. In both cases the pain was so horrific that I was (almost) willing to forsake my dignity and call 911 to have my shattered genitals delivered to the emergency room in an ambulance, and even suffered a few minor panic attacks and briefly considered self dismemberment (like I said, briefly). Thankfully, the pain was so overwhelmingly powerful that the receptors topped out and stopped hurting after only 40 minutes or so, leaving only a warm, pleasant sensation that lasted about 2 hours. I also noticed that the skin of this area was red and even a little purplish though NOT chemically burned, and this was due to increased blood circulation. And naturally, my junk is still perfectly fine and fully functional So your final proof is that you somehow managed to not lose you genitals? You sir, are a true scientist. ---
**Author:** ![Methyl\_Ethyl\_Death](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Methyl\_Ethyl\_Death](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Methyl_Ethyl_Death)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/15 "2011-01-11T15:47:49Z")
Can you spot the looney in this thread? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/17 "2011-01-11T17:58:03Z")
> [@keintabak](#): > > Now, I still have a lot of other looney stuff to do today, so have a nice day and if you have time, please use a sheetrock saw to slit your own throats 😉 I have a better idea. Hold still, this might sting a bit. ---
**Author:** ![slaphead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9bcb4/32.png) [@slaphead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slaphead)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/18 "2011-01-11T18:09:52Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > I have a better idea. Hold still, this might sting a bit. Ah, mod sauce. Perfect for those occasions when normal hot sauce simply won’t do. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/19 "2011-01-11T18:21:20Z")
Well. Somebody obviously hasn’t been lurking a bit to get a feel for the boards’ culture, has he, now? ---
**Author:** ![Methyl\_Ethyl\_Death](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Methyl\_Ethyl\_Death](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Methyl_Ethyl_Death)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/20 "2011-01-11T19:25:05Z")
At least he didn’t insult me. Maybe it was because I used the 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/21 "2011-01-11T19:32:08Z")
Guy sure didn’t like _science_ much, did he? ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431/22 "2011-01-11T19:35:32Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Guy sure didn’t like _science_ much, did he? Pfff. What do you know anyway? 😉 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-capsaicin-injure-not-cause-pain-to-mammals/238431.md?page=2)