Yes, it is true; I'm a jalapeño pepper fanatic. I love those spicy peppers so much that I consume them 3-4 times a week. I often add that fiery goodness to the meals I prepare. One would think that because I eat peppers so often that surely I would build up a tolerance to that caustic sensation on my hands when handling jalapeño peppers. Oh no...Not the case.
I have to admit that even I, the self-proclaimed queen of jalapeño peppers, of being able to pick up a pepper and taking a bite without so much as a "man that's hot" have felt the burn on my hands when they come into contact with the oils in the peppers when dicing, chopping or slicing them during food preparation. I found myself running to the sink, immersing my hands in cold water in an effort to stop the burning sensation. If this ever happens to you, STOP! Water doesn't stop the burn. The most important thing to remember is to stop the heat by neutralizing the pepper's oils on your skin.
I found some great articles and remedies on how to stop the burning sensation should this happen to you. Of course, the best prevention of all is WEAR GLOVES!
Here are a few informative articles on how to stop the burn:
Article Credit: How to Stop Hot Pepper Burn, Cayenne Diane
Article Credit: How do you Stop Chili Pepper Burn? , Chili Pepper Madness
Debra Jauregui, Astro Foods International
Director, Business Development / Marketing