What is the recommended initial treatment for a suspected burn?

The recommended initial treatment for a suspected burn involves stopping the burning process by cooling the area with sterile water or running water. This is crucial as it helps to reduce the temperature of the skin and can alleviate pain, prevent further tissue damage, and limit the extent of the burn. It is important that the water is clean to avoid introducing any contaminants that could lead to infection.

Using sterile water is preferred, as it minimizes the risk of infection that could occur if other substances are used on the burn. This method is widely endorsed by medical professionals for initial burn management. Properly cooling the burn also encourages healing and can lessen the severity of the burn.

Other methods, such as applying ice directly to the burn, can actually cause further damage to the tissue due to the extreme cold. Non-sterile clothing might introduce bacteria and lead to infections, while applying oil can trap heat in the skin and worsen the burn injury.