No matter how many times you wash your hands after cutting and handling hot peppers, the capsaicin oils remain on your hands for several hours. (I learned this the hard way after putting in contact lenses six hours after cutting Jalapenos and at least five hand washes and a shower later...OUCH!) The best way to avoid painful burning of the hands, eyes, mouth, etc... after is to use rubber gloves when cutting, de-seeding and working with peppers.
