self treatment

Self Treatment Of Common Illnesses And Accidents
Many problems can be treated at home without the need to consult a doctor.

Back Pain
Most back pain is caused by mechanical injury. Self treatment with ibuprofen and paracetamol (both available from your local chemists) should help with the condition. Gentle exercise is recommended when the pain has eased. If there is no improvement after two days, or if bladder, bowel or limb movement is affected, please see your doctor urgently.

Burns
Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area. If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose dry dressing. If the burn is larger than 10cm across, or if the skin is broken, consult a doctor or nurse.

Chickenpox
On the first day a rash appears as small red patches 3-4mm across and within a short time blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next three or four days, further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn crusty and drop off.
Calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the itching. Cool baths may also help. The most infectious period is from two or three days before the rash appears, to five days after this date. Children may return to school as soon as the last crusts have disappeared.

Colds, Coughs And Stuffy Noses
Colds are caused by viruses. Even today there is still no cure for the common cold. Paracetamol will help to relieve the headache, sore throat and aching as well as bring down a fever. Rest at home and take plenty of liquids.

Constipation
This is a very common problem which can be generally avoided by ensuring plenty of fibre e.g. cereals, fruit and vegetables in the daily diet combined with plenty to drink. If necessary, laxatives are available from the chemist or most supermarkets.

Cystitis
This is common for women and it causes a burning sensation during frequent passing of urine. Drink plenty of fluids. If you have a fever or if your symptoms last more than 48 hours, consult a doctor.

Diarrhoea And Vomiting
For both adults and children it is best to avoid all solids for 12 to 24 hours; drink plenty of fluids in frequent amounts (avoiding milk). Babies and young children may require Dioralyte if the diarrhoea is severe. If babies and toddlers show no sign of improvement in 48 hours, they should be seen by the doctor.

Looking After Your Child With A High Temperature
A child usually develops a fever in response to an infection. Usually the child will get over the infection without antibiotics. A few children, usually under three years old, may have a convulsion with a high temperature. It is therefore important to bring the temperature down.
If your child has a temperature or feels hot:
Give paracetamol (Calpol) at the recommended dose. (Do not give aspirin to under 16s.)
Give plenty of cool drinks as fluid is lost with a fever. Sponging with a cool flannel will make them feel better and reduce the temperature.
If your child does not improve, ask your doctor for advice. You will not make matters worse if you bring your child out to see the doctor.
If there is no improvement within 48 hours or the raised temperature is associated with other symptoms, then consult your doctor.

Medicine Chest
Here is a list of useful medicines and dressings with a description of their uses. All are quite cheap and worth stocking at home in readiness for minor illnesses.
Keep them in a box or cupboard with a lock - or store them well out of the reach of children.

Soluble Aspirin Tablets
For adults and older children. Good for headaches, colds, sore throats and painful bruises.
Paracetamol Mixture
For relief of pain or fever in young children.
Sedative Cough Linctus
For dry or painful coughs - but not coughs caused by common colds.
Menthol Crystals
Add to hot water to make steam inhalations for treating catarrh and dry or painful coughs.
Vapour Rub
Again, for steam inhalations. Also useful for children with stuffy noses or dry coughs. Rub on the chest and nose.
Ephedrine Nose Drops
For runny noses in children over one year old. Use before meals and at night but not for more than four days.
Antiseptic Solution
One teaspoon diluted in warm water for cleaning cuts and grazes.
Antiseptic Cream
For treating septic spots, sores in the nose and grazes.
Calamine Lotion
For dabbing (not rubbing) on insect bites, stings and sunburn.
Dressing Strips
For minor cuts.
3" Wide Crepe Bandage
To keep dressings in place. To support sprained or bruised joints.
Cotton Wool
For cleaning cuts and grazes.
Thermometer
For fevers.
Tweezers
For removing splinters.

Remember

• Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children.
• Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
• Watch expiry dates. Don't keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
• Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy

Remember that your local chemist can give you advice about medicines

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