Cool the burn. Rinse it with cool water.

1. • Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cool water or cool it with cold compresses.

   • Do not put ice on the burn.
     

Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Do not use fluffy cotton or other material that may get lint in the wound.

Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air from the burn, reduces pain, and protects blistered skin.

Provide a pain reliever only if the person with the burn has taken an over-the-counter pain reliever before without any adverse effects. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Keep the wound clean. Usually, minor burns heal without further treatment.