Everyone should have basic knowledge of how to take care of minor injuries and wounds properly. There are different types of wounds and various ways to administer first aid, depending on the nature of the wound.

Small cuts or scrapes are categorised as minor injuries and are usually easy to treat. Small as they are, these cuts or scrapes can be quite painful and often burn. The first thing to do is to wipe or wash the wound. If the cut is very tiny, it can be left open to heal. A bigger wound should be dressed with any of the wound dressing products such as band aids.

Applying disinfectant to the wound is also a good idea in order to avoid possibility of infection. If the wound has been caused by a metal object, it may be necessary to have a tetanus shot. Consult a doctor immediately if the wound has possibly been caused by a rusted piece of metal.

First degree burns are essentially superficial and harmless but can be very painful. The skin usually gets damaged, red and can swell up due to a burn. Cooling a burn under cool water can be both soothing as well as healing, as it can stop the injury from becoming worse by removing heat from the area.

Burns can be caused by heat, chemicals or electricity. Chemical or electrical burns could be misleading in terms of how damaging they are. It is therefore important to seek a medical opinion if the cause of the burn, however minor, is electrical or chemical.