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For small areas, run the injury under cool water for 5 to 10 minutes, removing any ash and allowing the pain to dull. For larger areas, submerge the wound in a bowl or tub of water. When finished, gently blot the wound with a fresh towel to dry off. Do not run the water at extremely cold temperatures or use ice. Doing so could damage the wound further. If necessary, remove any jewelry or other tight objects from the affected area before washing. After 5 to 10 minutes, wrap non-stick gauze or tissue over the wound and place a cooling pack or cold compress on it to reduce swelling. Keep the pack pressed onto the burn for 10 minutes at a time, or until it starts to feel uncomfortable. Do not use ice to treat the wound as doing so could cause tissue damage. To soothe the skin without causing further irritation, apply a thin layer of aloe vera or vitamin E gel to the burn. Do not use topical butters or ointments, which can inflame the area and cause further damage. While your skin recovers, apply a small amount of either substance to the burned area twice a day, keeping it hydrated and healthy. For open wounds, apply antibacterial ointment instead to prevent infection. For some burns, in particular those that have blistered over, a bandage will not be necessary. However, for burns with open wounds, cover the affected area in sterile non-stick gauze that's designed specifically for burns wounds. Make sure the material is loosely wrapped to avoid cutting off circulation to the area or further damaging the skin. If you're dealing with a large wound, or you don't have non-stick gauze, visit a doctor to have the burn professionally dressed. If your burn is causing a significant amount of pain, over-the-counter medications may be a good solution. Standard drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen should relieve pain without affecting the healing process. Avoid sprays and creams that have to be applied to the wound itself. Before taking pain relievers, read all label warnings thoroughly. If necessary, consult with your doctor prior to use.
Place the burned area under cool water as soon as possible. Place a cooling pack on the wound. Apply aloe vera or vitamin E gel. Apply a non-adhesive bandage to open wounds. Take pain relievers if necessary.