Immediately immerse the burn in cool tap water or apply cold, wet compresses. Do this for about 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. Apply petroleum jelly two to three times daily. Do not apply ointments, toothpaste or butter to the burn, as these may cause an infection.

Why should you not put Vaseline on a burn?

The American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend applying any type of ointment to a burn due to the risk of infection. Petroleum jelly, applied two to three times daily, may help the skin in the burned area retain moisture and heal more quickly.

Is it OK to put Vaseline on a burn?

You may put a thin layer of ointment, such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera, on the burn. The ointment does not need to have antibiotics in it. Some antibiotic ointments can cause an allergic reaction. Do not use cream, lotion, oil, cortisone, butter, or egg white.