What should a person do immediately after sustaining a first degree burn?

• A. Apply butter to the burn
• B. Run cool water over the area
• C. Cover it with a tight bandage
• D. Seek immediate medical attention

Answer: (B)

When someone sustains a first-degree burn, the immediate and most effective response is to run cool water over the affected area. First-degree burns, which affect only the outer layer of skin, can cause redness, minor swelling, and pain. Running cool water helps to reduce the temperature of the skin and alleviates pain, thereby preventing further damage and soothing the burn.

Using cool water for 10 to 20 minutes can significantly help in managing discomfort and minimizing swelling. This action is crucial in the first moments after the burn occurs, as it can greatly impact the healing process.

Other methods, such as applying butter or using a tight bandage, are not appropriate because they do not help cool the burn and may even worsen the condition. Seeking immediate medical attention is typically unnecessary for first-degree burns unless there are complications or the burn covers a large area. Therefore, running cool water is the most advised immediate action in this situation.