These burns are the least severe in terms of damage and treatment. There is minimal damage to the outer layer of tissue, or epidermis, which may occur in the form of reddened skin and sensitivity. The healing process is usually expedited with over-the-counter products like ibuprofen and aloe vera lotion. Soreness goes away rather quickly and the tissue can regenerate within 3-7 days.
If you should receive a first-degree burn, the best thing to do is to let nature take its course. You may take something for the pain, run cool water or a damp cloth over the skin, or sparingly use aloe vera. Other remedies may actually do more harm than good, either by introducing the area to infection or by trapping in the heat.
Information for this node was provided to me by a nurse at the hospital but may also be found in part on the web at http://www.burnsurvivorsonline.com/injuries/degree.asp