Self Treatment

SELF TREATMENT OF COMMON AILMENTS

CHILD WITH A TEMPERATURE

• We are aware of how worrying it can be to have a sick child. If you are concerned about your child we will always see him/her the same day at the surgery.
• In small children it is important to stop the temperature rising too quickly and children should be given Paracetamol syrup, which can be bought from the chemist. If they still appear hot, they should be gently sponged all over with tepid water. It is sometimes necessary to sponge down on more than one occasion to get results.

COLDS, COUGHS AND STUFFY NOSES

• These are caused by viruses and, even today, there is no cure
• Antibiotics can only kill bacteria which are completely different organisms
• Paracetamol will relieve the headache, sore throat and aching muscles as well as bringing down the fever
• The illness will last 5-6 days, but the cough may persist for longer

VOMITING AND DIARRHOEA

• Prevent dehydration – drink plenty of clear fluids (water, juice, etc)
• Dioralyte and Rehydrat are available at your chemist and are very useful for young children
• If vomiting is a problem, take small sips of fluid every few minutes
• No milk or solids should be given for 24 hours
• Symptoms should settle within 24-36 hours, if symptoms persist please see your doctor

CHICKEN POX

• Rash appears as small red patches with itchy blisters
• Rash will dry up and crust over in 4-5 days
• Child is infectious until the last crusts have dropped off
• Calamine lotion and cool baths will help the itch
• Phenergen medicine from the Chemist can also help
• Please notify the GP of this illness

MEASLES/MUMPS/GERMAN MEASLES (Rubella)

• We rarely see these conditions nowadays as they have been prevented by the MMR vaccination. Measles and German Measles present as a rash covering the upper body. With measles, the child may be generally unwell with painful eyes, headache and fever. Mumps presents as a swelling of the glands in front of the ears with an accompanying flu like illness. Immunisation can prevent all of these illnesses and is recommended by the family doctors.

MENINGITIS

• Meningitis is a very serious condition which can have an extremely rapid onset. Whilst we would not wish to alarm unduly, we feel it is important that you know that the condition is characterised by a combination of some of the following symptoms:
  •  Headache
  • High Temperature
  • Photophobia (bright lights hurting eyes)
  • Lethargy
  • Neck stiffness
  • Rash (sometimes)

NAPPY RASH

• Can be prevented by keeping the baby’s bottom clean and dry
• No barrier creams are needed if using disposable nappies
• If nappy rash occurs, take nappy off as much as possible to let air circulate and promote healing
• Contact your Health Visitor for advice if rash persists

HEADLICE

• Found in clean hair as often as dirty hair
• Spread by head to head contact
• A medicated head lotion can be obtained from the chemist
• Treat all members of the family and notify the school

THREADWORMS

• Small white worms can be seen in the motion
• Suspect if scratching around the anus especially at night
• Spread by eggs under the nails put into the mouth
• Medicine is available from the chemist
• All family members should be treated

BACKPAIN

• Usually begins as a strain caused by poor lifting technique
• Always bend your knees and keep back straight
• Rest your back on a firm bed and maintain a good posture when walking
• Painkillers and rest is usually all that is required

SPRAINS

• Apply cold compress containing ice (eg packet of frozen peas) for about 15 minutes to reduce the swelling
• Apply a firm crepe bandage and give sprain plenty of rest until discomfort has subsided

CYSTITIS

• Very common in women
• Causes burning sensation on passing urine
• Drink plenty of fluids
• If your symptoms last more than 24 hours, consult your doctor

BURNS

• Immediately apply large quantities of cold water for 5-10 minutes
• Leave if the skin is blistered but broken, apply loose clothing
• Larger burns should be attended at the treatment room for dressing by the Treatment Room nurse
• Extensive burns can be serious and patients should attend the nearest accident and emergency department immediately

SUNBURN

• Sunburn causes long term skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer, children are especially susceptible
• In sunny weather wearing loose clothing and a hat along with a high factor sun protection is essential, especially for children
• If you become sunburnt, paracetamol and an antihistamine will reduce the discomfort

NOSE BLEEDS

• Sit down in a chair, leaning forward with mouth open
• Pinch bridge of nose just below bone for about 10 minutes
• Bleeding should stop
• If bleeding persists, it is best to attend an accident and emergency department