Even minor burns can produce some uncomfortable swelling, so immediately remove any clothing or jewelry near the burn that can make the site even more uncomfortable. If clothing is stuck to the burn, then this is not a minor burn, and you should seek immediate medical care. Do not try to remove clothing stuck to a burn. Instead, cut around the stuck portion to remove only the loose areas. The cool water will lower the skin temperature and can even potentially stop the burn from becoming more serious. Hold the burned area under cold, running water, or soak it for about 10 minutes. Don't panic if the cool water doesn't immediately stop the pain: it can take up to thirty minutes. Do not ever use ice or ice water because the colder temperature can lead to additional tissue damage. You can place arms, hands, feet, and legs into a basin of cool water, but you should use a cool compress for burns to the face or body. You will need to clean the burn to reduce the risk of infection. However, it's very important to thoroughly wash your hands before handling the burn at all because any open blisters can easily become infected. This also includes using only clean cloths, gauze, gloves, or anything else you might use when handling the burn. Burn blisters are not like minor friction blisters, where breaking them can help reduce pain. Do not break any blisters associated with the burn; doing so can greatly increase the potential for infection. Use a cold soap and cool water to clean the burned area. Lather the soap gently so as not to risk breaking any blisters or irritating the skin. Some of the burned skin might come off as you wash the area. Use only a clean cloth to pat the area dry. Do not scrub at the area with the cloth. Sterile gauze is an even better option if you have it available. For extremely minor first-degree burns, this may be all the care you need to provide to the area. You can use ointments such as Bacitracin or Polysporin each time you clean the burn. Do not put sprays or butter on burns because they trap heat inside the burn. Loosely cover the burned skin with a clean bandage. Change the bandage every time it gets wet or soiled in order to avoid infection. Avoid wrapping the area too tightly, or you might risk doing further damage to the burn. If the burned skin or blisters have not broken open, then the area may not require a bandage. However, wrap the area regardless if it's in a location prone to getting dirty or that could become irritated by clothing. Do not tape a bandage so that it circles a hand, arm, or leg. This can cause swelling. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help soothe minor pain symptoms. Take only as directed. Even with electrical burns that appear to be minor, you can develop symptoms that warrant a trip to your doctor. Contact your caregiver if you: Feel dizzy or weak Have stiff joints or muscle pain Experience confusion or memory loss Have questions or concerns about your condition or care Infection is a minor risk for first-degree burns. However, you should always keep an eye on the burn and watch for signs of infection, especially when any blisters or broken skin are present. See your doctor immediately for prescription antibiotics if you believe your burn is infected. Potential signs include: Change in color of the burnt area or surrounding skin Purplish discoloration, particularly if swelling is also present Change in thickness of the burn (the burn suddenly extends deep into the skin) Greenish discharge or pus Fever If any large blisters develop from your burn, you should have them removed by a doctor. They will rarely remain intact, and it's better to have a doctor remove them taking all of the necessary, sterile precautions. A large blister is roughly anything larger than your pinky fingernail. Any time the bandages become wet or soiled, change them. Clean the burn (using clean hands or gloves) with water and a mild soap, apply more antibiotic ointment, and rewrap with a new, sterile piece of nonstick gauze.

Summary: Remove clothing or jewelry at the site of the burn. Rinse the burned area under cool water until the pain stops. Wash your hands. Do not break any blisters. Wash the burn site. Pat the area dry. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Apply a bandage. Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Consider contacting your doctor. Watch for signs of infection. Have a doctor look at large blisters. Change the bandages often.

Mattresses range from classic firm or plush options to higher-tech mechanically-operated beds with remote controls. Do some research on these commonly available options: Basic firm or plush mattresses. Basic mattresses are made from a variety of materials and are sold at every price range. Mattresses made with organic or natural fibers tend to be more expensive. You'll be able to choose from extra firm, firm, plush, and extra plush mattresses, depending on how soft or hard you like your bed to be. Memory foam mattresses. These mattresses are made from a material that molds to the shape of your body when you lie down, and holds that shape while you are sleeping. These are a good option for people who don't tend to move around a lot during the night. They retain body heat, so you may not want to go with memory foam if you tend to get hot while you sleep. Sleep number mattresses. These mattresses can be made harder or softer with the touch of a button. They are usually divided into different zones, so that your partner's side can have a different level of firmness than yours. Look into brand names, but don't be too biased. Sometimes brand names are better, but that doesn't mean you should overlook cheaper non-brand makes. A well-known name does not imply quality, though often times there is good reason for such a reputation. The important thing is to test mattresses in person and figure out what feels best for your own body. Understand that a high coil count doesn't necessarily translate into a higher-quality mattress. Mattresses with interlocking coils have coils that lock together. Mattresses with independent coils have a larger number of coils and are better for light sleepers, because they won't fluctuate as much with movement--especially when your partner shifts or gets out of bed. Take the following elements into consideration: Are you a side, back, or stomach sleeper? Some mattresses are designed to accommodate specific sleeping positions. Do you have mobility issues? Some mattresses are designed to make getting in and out of bed easier. Measure yourself and your sleeping partner. For most couples, a queen size bed will be large enough. If you are more than six feet tall, a king-size mattress may be a better choice. For a slender and tall mattress, go with the California king size. Some mattresses cost many thousands of dollars, and others are under $500. Knowing exactly how much you're willing to spend before going to the store can eliminate confusion and prevent you from being talked into buying a mattress that's out of your price range. The average market price for a solid mattress and box-frame set hovers around $800, with the costs of a quality bed ranging upwards of over $1500. If you can find a deal under your maximum price, go for it. Mattress stores sell a lot of extras, like mattress covers, pillow tops, bed frames, and other items you don't necessarily need. Know exactly what you're willing to buy before stepping into the store. Your mattress will work just as well without accessories, so don't buy them unless you want to.
Summary: Know the different mattress options. Have an understanding of your physical needs. Set your budget before you go shopping.