Chemical Play

Chemical play is a form of Sensation Play that involves the use of irritants to create various sensations before, during, or after play. The chemicals usually come in the form of a liquid, gel, oil or cream. When applied to sensitive areas like genitalia, nipples and anus the sensation can range from a mild tingle to an intense burning, it all depends on what sensation the participants are trying to achieve. When used during sex it can intensify and prolong orgasm. The most common chemicals used are over the counter or natural products and are normally not used for such purposes…

Safety First

The most important thing to remember about Chemical Play is that once it’s on, it’s on, you cannot take it back. This is not an experience you can safeword out of, that’s why negotiation, testing and preparation is very important before you do anything.

It’s a good idea to test any substances or combinations of substances you are going to use on everyone involved, every single time. Allergies may also not be apparent to people and may not be known during negotiations. They may have never come into contact with chemicals you wish to try, or any number of the ingredients. Chemicals can have serious side effects and just because you didn’t have an allergic reaction the first time, doesn’t mean you won’t have a reaction the next time.

It’s important to not only test everything individually, but also in combination as when mixed the reaction may be more intense. The more you understand the expected reaction, the easier it will be to detect an adverse reaction.

Do not test anything in the person’s mouth. A small amount placed on the inside of the forearm should elicit a response if the person is allergic. It’s sensitive enough to feel a response, but not in a critical area. Apply the substance and then watch the area for any signs you or your partner may be having an allergic reaction. Allergies can be very serious causing anaphylactic shock which can be any combination of potentially life threatening symptoms. Difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and throat, swelling face and limbs, rapid heart rate or erratic heartbeat, high/low blood pressure, high temperature, sweating, rashes, welts or blotchy skin. If you or your partner has difficulty breathing or two or more of the symptoms call for emergency services immediately.

Usually everything is fine but even if it tests out okay, it’s still wise to be prepared.

In case of any adverse reaction the first action is to try and neutralise or wash off any chemicals. It’s wise to know the best ways to wash off these chemicals easily and safely, which is discussed further in this article. Keep a few things on hand:

• An appropriate neutralizer for your specific chemicals (see below for details).
• Water – for neutralising water based/soluble chemicals or for general cooling.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs – for minor inflammation.
• Benadryl, or similar antihistamines or allergy relief medication.
• Latex/non-latex gloves – to keep any chemicals off your hands to avoid spreading it further
• Cotton balls or cotton swabs – to help with the cleanup.
• Sharp, well maintained safety shears – to cut any clothing or items that may be unable to remove due to swelling. These can constrain circulation or in extreme cases breathing, making the situation significantly more serious.

Anything rubbing against the skin causing friction will work, try out a few different sensations and find what works best for you and your partner(s). 

Safety Tips

In the event any spicy food items have been swallowed or left in the mouth causing pain, use milk or bread to counteract the heat. Do NOT use water. If you use water, it will increase the heat on your tongue and cause the sensation to be longer and stronger. If you do not have milk or bread, then flush out the mouth continuous for a minimum of fifteen minutes.

As always, keep substances away from your eyes. In the event something gets in your eyes, use water or some eye flush and get medical advice. Eyes are very sensitive so seeking medical aid ensures they can be properly cleaned.

If there is a chance that you may have to go to the emergency room, being prepared can help you avoid a bit of embarrassment. Have a story ready. You should still be clear and open to the medical staff on any chemical substances used. If you do become embarrassed, perhaps have an alternative story ready. That will make the visit a little less stressful.

Common substances used in chemical play

• Toothpaste (mintier the better)
• Liniment (cool, then warm then the burn sets in!  
• Tiger Balm (heating)
• Deep heat (hot, burning) 
• Ben Gay, Icy Hot other menthol based lotions (heating/burning/cooling depending on mixture)
• Cinnamon Oil (heating)
• Peppermint or Spearmint Oil (cool first, hot later)
• Desensitizing lube/gel – numbing, great for forced orgasms. 
• Massage oils (soothing, sensual, or warming)
• Baby oil, body lotions and creams – soothing, sensual and/or warm.
• Vicks vapour rub – warm tingling sensation. 
• Capsaicin cream – it’s very intense and can be used while masturbating, but you have been 
• warned. 
• Jalapeno Peppers – good luck
• Wasabi, Horseradish, Mustard – use only fresh.
• Nettles – can be used as a lashing implement or a makeshift flogger.
• Fresh ginger root – commonly used for figging in BDSM. Figging is the process of carving a butt plug shape from a piece of fresh ginger and inserting into the anus. As the ginger releases it’s natural oils it causes an intense burning sensation ridding the line between pain and pleasure. Ginger can also be used by placing wedges into the vagina or by carving a thin strip to insert into the urethra.

Neutralizers

While washing the chemicals off with water seems like an obvious solution, many of the chemicals used ARE NOT water soluble. Using water will only spread the chemicals further, worsening the sensations and not neutralizing or removing them.

• Milk – for neutralising spicy or oil based agents
• Bread – for neutralising  spicy or oil based agents
• Vinegar – natural neutralizer, affordable and commonly found. 
• Olive oil – natural neutralizer commonly found.
• Natural Aloe Vera – from the plant not a gel or lotion

Getting it off –

1. Blot (do not rub) off any excess chemicals using tissues or paper towels. Rubbing can spread the chemicals further and only make them penetrate deeper.
2. Saturate cotton balls, cotton swabs or a soft clean cloth in the neutralizer. 
3. Blot (do not rub) the affected area until the sensation has lessened. Continue saturating and blotting using a clean ball/swab/cloth each time until you have removed all traces of chemical(s) and the sensation has dissipated. 
4. Wash the affected area with warm water and mild soap. 
5. Pat dry, do not rub, it will only irritate the area further. 
6. Take Benadryl or an antihistamine if necessary.

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Contributors: Researched, written and published by Mistress Michelle and Umlindi.

These educational topics wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication from our Dom(me)sLife contributors – Thank you MM