Lucky you! These burns are generally much milder than the other types. Healing from these superficial burns is not the uphill battle you would face with more serious injuries.
Common symptoms include skin peeling away, pain, dryness in the impacted areas, and red-colored skin. While most of these burns can heal on their own, scarring is still possible. It’s important to treat first-degree burns with these steps:
Sooth the Burn. Run cold water over the wound immediately. Apply cold compresses for a few minutes at a time.
Take the Sting Out. Once 24 hours have passed, gently apply aloe vera or petroleum jelly a few times a day.
Pop a Pill. Take mild pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Tablets should improve your comfort level and ease inflammation.
Protect the Wound. Cover the burn loosely with dry, sterile gauze. Guard against sun exposure once healing is in full swing. Use sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF. Seek shady spots.