A cut here, a bruise there, a nosebleed,... life is filled with bumps, bruises that may not require a trip to the emergency room, but still require some care to feel better. Further, without the proper treatment, even something as minor as a papercut has the potential to become serious (if it became infected, for instance). So here is a guide to make your day as safe as possible.

   1. Cuts & Scrapes

          * Use a clean cloth or bandage and press it on the cut with a little pressure.

          * After the bleeding has stopped, rinse the wound with plain water and use tweezers to remove any debris.

          * Apply an ointment on the wound to prevent infection.

          * Cover the wound with a bandage to help keep it clean. Change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty.

          * Be on the lookout for signs of infections like redness or swelling and immediately go to see your doctor if you see any of this.

   2. Burns and scalds

          * This is only for first degree burns. For other burns, please see your doctor immediately.

          * First degree burns damage the outer layer of the skin only. First degree burns are usually associated with redness, mild pain and swelling.

          * Remove all clothing, jewellery and watches from the burned area unless it is sticking to the skin.

          * Plunge the burned area into cold water, or hold it under a cold running tab for 10 minutes or until the pain stops or lessens.

          * Gently blot the burnt area. Do not rub. Rubbing may break the skin and open it to infection.

          * Cover with a clean, dry and sterile gauze dressing for protection.

          * NOTE: Never put butter or greasy ointments on a burn. They seal heat into the wound and may cause infection.

          * Always seek medical advice if the victim is a child or an elderly person, the burn covers more than one part of the body or the burns are caused by chemicals.

   3. Sunburn

          * The best treatment for sunburn is prevention. Mild sunburn results in skin irritation and redness and can be safely treated at Home. Severe sunburn requires medical attention.

          * Apply cool compresses on the sunburnt areas.

          * Drink a lot of water.

          * Leave blisters intact to speed healing and avoid infection.

          * Make sure all the sunburnt areas are fully covered to avoid the sun rays.

          * More than 90% of skin cancers are the result of sun exposure. Unprotected sun exposure is even more dangerous for kids who have moles or freckles, very fair skin or hair or a family history of skin cancer.

          * Call a doctor if your child has a sunburn that forms blisters or is extremely painful, facial swelling from a sunburn, fever or chills after getting sunburnt, headache, confusion or a feeling of faintness, signs of dehydration (increased thirst or dry eyes and mouth) or signs of infections on the skin (increasing redness, warmth, pain or pus).

          * Remember the following words before going out! Slip Slap Slop! Slip on a shirt. Slap on a sunglass. Slop on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

   4. Nosebleed

          * Lie down and tilt your head forwards to allow the blood to drain from your nostrils.

          * Breathe through your mouth and to pinch through the soft part of your nose to stop the bleeding.

          * Do not speak, swallow, cough, spit or sniff because this may disturb blood clots that may have formed in the nose.

          * Release the pressure after 10 minutes. If the bleeding has not stopped, reapply a pressure on the soft part of your nose for a further 10 minutes.

          * After that, clean your nose with warm water.

          * Take a rest and avoid blowing your nose.

          * If the bleeding stops and restarts after a lapse of time, apply the pressure as shown above.

          * Note: Do not tilt the head back; blood may run down the throat and induce vomiting.

   5. Severe Bleeding

          * Note: This applies only to bleeding from the arm or leg. If you are bleeding from the head or chest, better seek medical advice.

          * Lie down and if possible raise the injured part to reduce the flow of blood to the wound.

          * Press hard on the wound with a clean pad. If the wound is gaping, hold its edges together firmly.

          * If there is a foreign body in the wound (e.g. glass), apply pressure alongside.

          * Take a firm pad and bind it firmly over the whole wound so that pressure is maintained (a scarf or tie can be used).

          * If blood soaks through the bandage, do not remove it. Instead, continue to apply pressure to the wound for 7-10 minutes.

   6. Sprain

          * Rest your injured limb and don't use the joint directly (if you sprained your ankle, for instance, use a crutch or a splint to protect the sprain).

          * Apply an ice-pack wrapped in a cloth to the area as soon as possible to reduce swelling.

          * Use an elastic bandage to compress the area.

          * Keep your limb elevated as much as possible to limit swelling.

          * If the sprain doesn't get better in a couple of days, you experience severe pain, or you're unable to use your joint at all, seek medical treatment.

   7. Black eye

          * Apply an ice-pack to your eye area gently (do not press on your eye).

          * Use the ice-pack immediately after the injury, if possible, and continue to apply the pack for one or two days to reduce swelling.

          * If you have severe pain, vision problems, or blood in your eye or nose, seek medical help.

   8. Spider bite

          * Clean the area with soap and water.

          * Apply a cool washcloth to the bite location.

          * Apply an anti-itch cream to the area to eliminate itching and promote healing.

          * If you experience chills, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, rash or listlessness, you may have been bitten by a poisonous spider, such as a black widow spider or a brown recluse spider. You should seek medical help immediately.

   9. Bee Sting

          * Remove the stinger by scraping it with a credit card or other flat-edged object (don't use tweezers, as these can increase the amount of venom released).

          * Wash the area with soap and water.

          * Place an ice-pack, wrapped in a cloth, on the site for 10 minutes. Wait 10 minutes more without the pack, then reapply the ice for another 10 minutes.

          * Apply an anti-itch cream to the area to eliminate itching and promote healing.

  10. Foreign object in the eye

            Under The Eyelid

          * Pull the upper lid over the lower one.

          * Dislodge the object by blinking under the water.

            Floating on the white of the eye

          * Advise the victim not to rub his/her eye.

          * Ask him/her to sit down facing a light, so that you will be able to see into the
            eye clearly.

          * Using your finger and thumb, gently pull the eyelids of the injured eye apart.

          * When you see the foreign body causing the irritation, wash it out with clean water (sterile if available) using a glass.

          * If the foreign body has not moved, try to lift if off with a moist swab, or the dampened corner of a tissue or handkerchief.

          * Note: If it is embedded in the eye or there are chemicals in the eye, seek medical advice.

  11. Foreign body in the ear

          * Note: If the foreign body is lodged in place, DO NOT attempt the move it (object may be pushed further in).

          * Sit the victim down.

          * Gently pour tepid water into the ear until it floods, carrying the object out.

          * If this does not work, take him/her to the hospital.

  12. Toothache

          * Use dental floss to remove any food particles wedged between your teeth.

          * Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to dull the ache.

          * Don't place aspirin or another painkiller directly against your gums, as it may burn your gum tissue.

          * Brush your teeth regularly.

          * Go to a dentist if the pain persists for more than a day or two, you have fever with the toothache or you have trouble breathing or swallowing.

  13. Frostbite

          * Get out of the cold.

          * Warm your hands by tucking them under your arms. If your nose, ears or face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands.

          * Don't rub the affected area. Never rub snow on frostbitten skin.

          * Get emergency medical help if numbness remains during warming. If you can't get help immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm — not hot — water.

  14. Choking

          * Perform the Heimlich maneuver to try to remove the object.

            On someone else

          * Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the person forward slightly.

          * Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person's navel.

          * Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust — as if trying to lift the person up.

          * Repeat until the blockage is dislodged.

            On yourself

          * Place a fist slightly above your navel.

          * Grasp your fist with the other hand and bend over a hard surface — a countertop or chair will do.

          * Shove your fist inward and upward.

  15. Motion sickness

          * By ship, request a cabin in the forward or middle of the ship, or on the upper deck.

          * By plane, ask for a seat over the front edge of a wing. Once aboard, direct the air vent to your face.

          * By train, take a seat near the front and next to a window. Face forward.

          * By automobile, drive or sit in the front passenger's seat.

          * Focus on the horizon or on a distant, stationary object. Don't read.

          * Keep your head still, resting against a seat back.

          * Don't smoke or sit near smokers.

          * Avoid spicy foods and alcohol. Don't overeat.

          * Eat dry crackers or drink a carbonated beverage to help settle your stomach if you become ill.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or formal first-aid training. Don't use this information to diagnose or develop a treatment plan for a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. If you're in a life-threatening or emergency medical situation, seek medical assistance immediately.