Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage (not fluffy cotton). Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.

Is it better to leave a burn covered or uncovered?

Figure 2. Analgesia—Exposed nerve endings will cause pain. Cooling and simply covering the exposed burn will reduce the pain.

Should I cover my 2nd degree burn?

Wrap the burn loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin. Do not tape a bandage so that it circles a hand, arm, or leg. This can cause swelling.