Minor burns, sometimes called first-degree burns, or minor second-degree burns, tend to be most noticeable because they are most painful at the onset. More severe burns do so much damage to the skin and nerves under the skin, that they may not even hurt initially. They can hurt later on as they heal, but if you note a significant burn that doesn’t hurt and that is pure white in color, and if it covers a large area of space on the skin, this is at least a second-degree burn and requires treatment from a medical profession.

For minor burns, there’s a simple method for treatment. First, don’t apply ice to the burn, since this can damage skin tissue. Instead to treat minor burns you can either run cold water over the burn, when possible, or soak the burned area in cold water. You should plan on using running water for about 2-3 minutes at least, or plan on soaking the burned area for about five minutes. You can repeat this soaking a few minutes later if the burn remains uncomfortable.

For small burns, a little soak may be all you need. If you’ve burned a little more of your skin, say for example, the tip of a finger, many people treat minor burns by applying aloe vera gel after the soaking process. Don’t use oils or petroleum jelly, or cover the burn in butter. This tends to act as a sealant, increasing the amount of heat you feel and actually making you more uncomfortable. You may also want to treat minor burns with a little antibiotic cream, some of which have topical pain relievers. Cover the burn in a bandage, or with gauze.

If you need to treat minor burns that have resulted in blisters, don’t pop the blisters. Simply follow the steps above. If large blisters develop, it is most likely a more serious burn. You should probably see a doctor, especially if the burn doesn't hurt.

Sometimes when you treat minor burns, you may note a blister develops in a day or two. Simply watch these for any signs of infection, like swelling at the site, yellow or green pus oozing from the burn or increase in pain. Burns are injuries vulnerable to infection so it's important to keep burns covered and clean at all times.