What is the first treatment for a minor burn?

The first treatment for a minor burn is to cool the area with cool running water, which helps to reduce the temperature of the skin and prevents further tissue damage. Running water is effective because it continuously washes away heat from the burn site, minimizing pain and swelling.

Using ice directly on a burn can cause additional skin damage, as extreme cold can harm the sensitive tissue. Covering a burn with a dry cloth is not as effective in providing immediate relief and cooling as running water, and applying ointment immediately may interfere with the natural healing process or trap heat in the tissue. Hence, cooling the burn with cool running water is the most appropriate and beneficial first treatment.