Podcast 785: Pepper Spray

<p><strong>Contributor: Jared Scott, MD</strong></p> <p><strong>Educational Pearls:</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Pepper spray is a chemical irritant derived from oleoresin capsicum (OC), an extract from pepper plants. It can be used by police for riot or crowd control, or by individuals for self defense.  </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">In the event of an exposure, those affected should immediately disperse from the area, remove contact lenses with clean or gloved hands, and remove contaminated clothing. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Pepper spray can spread from patients to providers by contact. When caring for those exposed, providers should use PPE including gloves and should double bag personal belongings.   </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">For patient management consider the following: </span></li> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">If the eyes are affected, first remove contacts then irrigate with clean water. Use proparacaine drops for relief. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Clean exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water.   </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Inhalation and ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and generalized anxiety from discomfort. Treatment can include antiemetics and anxiolytics. Symptoms may persist for many days.</span></li> </ul> </ul> <p><strong>References</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Schep LJ, Slaughter RJ, McBride DI. Riot control agents: the tear gases CN, CS and OC-a medical review.</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">J R Army Med Corps</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. 2015;161(2):94-99. doi:10.1136/jramc-2013-000165</