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Experts at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg warn of severe mucous membrane irritation / Only use pepper spray in an emergency

Following the incidents on New Year's Eve in Cologne, Hamburg and Stuttgart, there have been initial reports from retailers in South Baden that the demand for so-called pepper sprays has increased dramatically. Pepper sprays, also known as CS gas, tear gas or irritant gas, are intended to be used in self-defense situations to ward off attackers. The sprays are actually subject to the Weapons Act, but are often declared differently and are freely available for sale. Pepper sprays are only permitted in Germany against animals due to their very strong effect. Pepper sprays should only be used in an emergency - never misused or used carelessly - as the gas can cause severe irritation to the mucous membranes.

"Pepper spray can cause contact irritation in the eyes or respiratory tract," says PD Dr. Hans-Jörg Busch, Medical Director of the University Emergency Center (UNZ) at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. In the worst case, the spray could even trigger an asthma attack and become life-threatening. In order to neutralize the irritants and alleviate the sometimes severe pain, it is important to start cleaning the affected areas immediately. "Irritation can also occur on the skin," says PD Dr. Busch. "At the University Emergency Center, we try to clean the affected areas, including the eyes, with lukewarm running water." Respiratory distress can even occur. "If the airways are affected, patients are given inhalations of oxygen and substances that dilate the bronchi," explains PD Dr. Busch.

"Anyone who gets pepper spray in their eyes must wash them out immediately with plenty of clean water," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Reinhard, Medical Director of the Eye Center - University of Freiburg. "The substances contained in the spray attack the cornea and conjunctiva and can lead to inflammation that lasts for weeks." The Eye Center uses special liquids to rinse the surface of the eye for treatment. "For more severe burns, cortisone injections under the conjunctiva and amniotic shells made from human egg skin are also used to achieve rapid surface regeneration. Tear production in particular can be influenced by irritation with pepper spray. This can be very problematic for affected patients in the long term," says Prof. Reinhard.

Both experts advise those affected not to further irritate the areas that have come into contact with the irritant gas, for example by rubbing. As pepper spray can cause serious injuries such as breathing difficulties, they should consult a physician as soon as possible. At the Medical Center - University of Freiburg, experts are available at the University Emergency Center and at the Eye Center's Eye Emergency Practice.

Contact:
University Emergency Center
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Sir-Hans-A.-Krebs-Straße
Registration first floor
Phone: 0761 270-33333

Emergency Eye Center in the Eye Center
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Killianstraße 5
Registration main floor
Phone: 0761 270-40010