Definitely no cream -- creams and ointments hold in the heat. That's not going to help the burn. Like Alicia said, silvadene, if anything, and that's only available by prescription.
As for ice, think about the different phases of matter -- solid, liquid, gas. Cold water cools the skin easier because, in its liquid state, it has the ability to cover the area and cool it better without freezing the skin cells.
Always be careful around steam also. Steam at 100 degrees burns worse than water at 100 degrees because of the state it is in also. Think about how much longer it takes steam to cool to the liquid stage. It doesn't make sense when you think in terms of the number (degrees), but if you think about the molecular stuff going on, it does.
Jeez, that was too fast. I hope I helped ya understand. Take care and feel better soon!
