Using neosporin on a burn, but it makes the pain worse. if i just wash it and bandage it, it feels better. which way is safer?

Either way OK: The idea of applying a topical antimicrobial, such as neosporin, to a burn wound is to keep it from getting infected. If you keep it washed & clean, & it is a small burn, you will probably be fine. Alternatively, you could try other topical antimicrobials (e.g., polysporin, (bacitracin and polymyxin) bacitracin, triple-antibiotic ointment, etc.) to see if one of those is not painful for you.