What should be done for a burn injury?

For a burn injury, covering the burn with a sterile dressing is the most appropriate and effective action to take. This helps to protect the burn from infection, reduces exposure to air, which can be painful, and aids in the healing process. A sterile dressing also keeps the area clean and minimizes further irritation.

Applying ice directly to the burn can lead to additional tissue damage due to the cold temperature, and might increase the pain instead of relieving it. Rubbing lotion on the burn can cause irritation and may not provide the necessary protection or healing properties that a sterile dressing would. Similarly, using butter on the burn is outdated advice; it does not prevent infection and can also trap heat in the burn site, worsening the injury. Thus, covering the burn with a sterile dressing is the best practice for managing such injuries effectively.