Self-Treatment of Common Illnesses

Self-Treatment of Common Illnesses

High Temprature

This can be caused by many things. It is important, especially in children, to bring the temperature down, whatever the cause. This can be done by bathing the child in luke-warm water and giving Calpol or Ibuprofen. (This can be done before the child sees a doctor.) If the temperature does not come down after doing this, seek medical advice. A child with a high temperature is NOT made worse by bringing them to the surgery or to the Out of Hours Centre.

Colds

Colds are NOT helped by antibiotics. Keep well hydrated, and rest. If you have a headache or are feverish, you can take Aspirin or Paracetamol, always keeping to the instructions.

Diarrhoea & Vomiting

This is common and is usually caused by a virus. The treatment is to stop eating and to drink lots of fluids, but NOT alcohol. If the symptoms have not cleared within forty eight hours phone the surgery for further advice. HOWEVER in the case of children or the elderly it is not wise to let any more than twenty four hours pass before seeking medical advice.

Nosebleeds

Sunburn

Sit in a chair, leaning forward with your mouth open, and pinch your nose just below the bridge, for ten minutes. The bleeding should then stop. If your symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Take care in the sun, particularly on behalf of children. Use a high factor sun block cream. If sunburn does occur calamine lotion can be applied to relieve the irritation. Cold water can also remove the heat.

Insect Bites & Stings

Burns

These are very common in the summer. Anti-histamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist and will usually relieve most symptoms. Bee stings should be scraped away rather than plucked out to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound.

Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain this until the pain eases; this can take up to fifteen minutes. If the skin is blistered but unbroken, apply a loose dry dressing. If the burn is large or if the skin is broken go to the local Accident & Emergency Department.

Sprains

Apply a cold compress for fifteen to thirty minutes to reduce any swelling. Then firmly apply a tubigrip bandage and rest the sprain until the discomfort has subsided.

Minor Cuts & Grazes

Clean the wound thoroughly with a little soap and water. To stop bleeding, press a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for a few minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressing.