The Goal: Remove the Oil and Capsaicin
The active ingredient in mace is capsaicin, an oily substance that's not water-soluble. Therefore, you need to break down that oil and then flush it away.
Steps to Remove Mace from Skin:
1. Stay Calm: While this is difficult, panicking will only make things worse. Focus on your breathing and follow the steps below.
2. Avoid Rubbing or Touching Your Eyes: This will spread the mace. If you've already touched your face, wash your hands *thoroughly* before continuing.
3. Flush with Water:
* Initial Flush: Use *cool* water to initially flush the affected area. Hot water can make the capsaicin feel worse. The purpose here is to remove any loose particles and prevent the oil from soaking in deeper. Flush for several minutes.
* Don't rub during the initial flush. Just let the water run over the affected area.
4. Decontaminate with a Cleansing Agent: This is the most important step. You need something that will break down the oil. Here are a few options, ranked in terms of common effectiveness (from best to good):
* Dish Soap (Dawn is often recommended): Dish soap is designed to cut through grease and oil. It's usually very effective. Mix a small amount of dish soap with water and *gently* wash the affected areas. Avoid getting it in your eyes.
* Baby Shampoo: A milder option, especially good for sensitive skin and near the eyes.
* Milk (Whole Milk is best): The fats in milk help dissolve the capsaicin. Soak the affected area in milk or apply it with a clean cloth.
* Vegetable Oil: Apply and let sit for a bit, then flush with soap and water. The oil helps to dissolve the capsaicin oil.
5. Continue Flushing: After using your chosen cleansing agent, thoroughly flush the area with cool water again.
6. Repeat as Necessary: You may need to repeat steps 4 and 5 several times to completely remove the mace. Be patient and persistent.
7. Dry the Area: Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing.
8. Air Out: Leave the area exposed to the air as much as possible.
9. Clothing:
* Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Cut it off if necessary to avoid pulling it over your head or face.
* Wash contaminated clothing separately in hot water with plenty of detergent. Run an extra rinse cycle. Consider discarding the clothing if it's heavily contaminated, especially if it's difficult to clean (e.g., wool). Wear gloves when handling contaminated clothing.
Important Considerations and Things to Avoid:
* Don't use lotions, creams, or ointments until the capsaicin is completely removed. These can trap the oil against your skin and worsen the burning sensation.
* Avoid rubbing or scrubbing. This can irritate the skin and spread the mace.
* Don't use vinegar or alcohol. These can worsen the burning sensation.
* Cool air: Use a fan to circulate cool air around the affected area.
* Time: Unfortunately, time is also a factor. Even with the best efforts, it can take several hours or even a day for the effects of mace to completely subside.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
* Severe breathing difficulties:
* Prolonged or worsening symptoms:
* Eye damage or vision problems:
* Any concerns about your health:
Important Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have concerns about your health or the severity of your exposure, please seek professional medical help. It's always best to err on the side of caution.