ask your pharmacist

Are there any over-the-counter treatments for burns?

To treat a first- or second-degree burn, you can use an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or Polysporin and then cover it with a sterile gauze bandage. Clean the burn gently with warm water once daily and then reapply an antibiotic ointment and a fresh bandage. This will protect the area and help prevent an infection. Blisters may form after a burn. Do not break the blisters. If they break open by themselves, wash in warm water with mild soap, then apply the antibiotic ointment and gauze bandage.

>Anesthetic products containing benzocaine (brand name Americaine) or lidocaine (Medi-Quik) will reduce burn pain. Oral painkillers like >ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), >naproxen (Aleve), or >aspirin will reduce pain and swelling. >Acetaminophen (Tylenol) will reduce pain, but not inflammation.

Sources:
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Swartzberg, J. E., S. Margen. The UC Berkeley Wellness Self-Care Handbook. Rebus Inc. 1998.

This answer prepared 6/7/01.
This information updated 2/7/2007.