What is the recommended treatment for a minor burn?

The recommended treatment for a minor burn is to run cold water over it and cover it with a non-stick dressing. Cooling the burn with running cold water helps to reduce the temperature of the skin and alleviate pain while minimizing the risk of further injury and inflammation. This immediate cooling action can also limit the extent of the burn by stopping the damage to the skin and surrounding tissue.

Once the area is cooled, covering it with a non-stick dressing protects the burn from infection and external irritants while allowing it to heal. Non-stick dressings are designed to minimize pain and trauma when being changed, which is crucial for patient comfort during recovery.

Using ice directly can cause additional damage to the skin tissue due to freezing, and it can lead to frostbite. Covering the burn with a warm cloth may exacerbate injury by retaining heat rather than alleviating it. Ignoring the burn and doing nothing can increase the risk of complications, such as infection or improper healing, making the recommended immediate care essential for positive outcomes.