What immediate first aid should be applied to a second degree burn?

The appropriate immediate first aid for a second-degree burn is to place it under cold water and cover it with a dry sterile dressing. This method is essential for cooling the burn site, which helps to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and minimize tissue damage. Cool (not icy) water can help to lower the temperature of the burn area, preventing further injury to the skin. It is also vital to cover the burn with a sterile dressing to protect it from infection and to keep it clean.

Using butter is outdated and can trap heat in the skin, potentially worsening the burn. Applying ice directly to the skin can result in frostbite and further damage to the tissue. Aloe vera gel is beneficial for healing but should not be used as an immediate first aid measure; it’s better applied after the initial first aid and cooling process. Thus, the practice of cooling the burn with cold water and using a sterile dressing is the most effective and recommended first response.