Beware the Jalapeno

I have worked with jalapeno peppers before. But last evening I went through one experience with the beautiful (but dangerous) vegetable that I don't want to relive. Thus, I will warn you all ...

I was simply making a fresh mango salsa, one of my favorite summertime snacks. Well, everything was going just fine. I had chopped and juiced various fruits and veggies by hand. But according to the recipe, I blended the seeded jalapeno and one mango. Pretty harmless you say? I wish it was so. A few minutes after seeding the jalapeno, a few fingers on each hand began to burn. I mean, I felt like they were on fire. Crying didn't help, and a cup of ice water only offered very temporary relief. Anyway, the burning went on all evening. In bed, I tossed and turned, at a loss as to how to relieve the fire in my fingers. Somehow I fell finally asleep. This morning I awoke and felt no burning. But now, a few hours later, it has returned. I just googled my dilemma, only to find that the only thing to do is wait out the pain. Oh, and wear gloves when working with jalapenos. (Too late for that.) Anyway, I just wanted to give you all a word of caution. Hopefully, you know well enough to wear gloves, unlike me. Well, you better believe I won't make that mistake again.