What should be used to treat skin burns effectively?

Using cold water is the most effective method to treat skin burns. When a burn occurs, applying cold water can help to cool the affected area, which minimizes tissue damage and alleviates pain. Cold water works by creating a temperature difference, drawing heat away from the burn, thus helping to reduce inflammation and prevent further injury. It's important to ensure that the cold water is not ice-cold or freezing, as extreme temperatures can cause further damage to the skin.

In addition to soothing pain and preventing complications, keeping the burn cool with water can also help to reduce the risk of infection, which is crucial in the healing process. It is generally advised to run cool water over the burn for at least 10-20 minutes, depending on the severity of the burn.

Other methods, such as ice packs, can cause direct harm by freezing the skin and leading to frostbite, while hot water can exacerbate the burns, worsening the injury. Antibiotic ointment is more suitable for aftercare or when a burn has already blistered and is healing, but it is not appropriate for initial treatment. Thus, applying cold water is the most beneficial immediate response to a burn injury.