BACK PAIN

Most cases caused by overuse will resolve themselves by rest, pain killers and gentle heat to relieve the pain. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few days.

BED SORES

Bed Sores are far easier to prevent than cure. They are caused by prolonged pressure to certain parts of the body when lying in bed for long periods. They can be prevented by encouraging the patient to shift position as often as possible. Take care to smooth out creases in the bottom sheet to avoid irritation. If red marks appear at the pressure points such as heels, elbows, buttocks and hips, inform the district nurses before they get worse.

SORE THROATS

Four out of every five sore throats are caused by viruses and therefore antibiotics are useless. If your throat is sore but you are otherwise okay there is no need to see the doctor. Simply give children paracetamol syrup at the recommended dose and fluids (aspirin should NOT be given to children under 16 years).

If you are very hot and unwell and can see white spots on your tonsils you should seek medical advice.

BURNS

Run cold water over the burnt area until the pain subsides. If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose dressing. If the skin is broken or the burn is extensive, contact the surgery.

COLDS & ‘FLU

There is still no magic cure for these ailments. Most of these illnesses are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. Go to bed and drink plenty of fluids. If you have a headache or are feverish, discuss with a pharmacist for the appropriate over the counter medicine. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days, contact your doctor.

DIARRHOEA & VOMITING

This is most commonly caused by a virus and settles spontaneously in a few days. Do not take food or milk, but drink large quantities of water, diluted squash or soda water to counter the effects of dehydration. Babies can be given special sachets of sugar and salt crystals obtainable from your chemist. If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, contact your doctor.

NOSE BLEEDS

Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the nasal bone for 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped. Do not blow the nose for 4 hours. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor.

CUTS AND GRAZES

Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap or antiseptic. apply direct pressure to any bleeding point. Apply a clean firm dressing.

SUNBURN

Treat as for other burns with cold water. Oily calamine lotion will relieve irritation and Paracetamol will also help. Great care should be taken to avoid over-exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, particularly with children.

INSECT BITES & STINGS

Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from your chemist without prescription and will remove most symptoms in 48 hours. Apply vinegar to neutralise a wasp sting and sodium bicarbonate to a bee sting. Scrape away a bee sting to avoid squeezing the venom sac.

HEAD LICE

These creatures, contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and are, therefore, not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Medicated head lotion can be obtained from a chemist without prescription.

CHICKENPOX

On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4 mm across. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next three or four days further patches will appear and earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off.

Calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may also help. The most infectious period is from two or three days before the rash appears until all the blisters have become crusty. Children may return to school as soon as the last 'crusts' have dropped off.

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