SELF-TREATMENT OF COMMON ILLNESSES AND ACCIDENTS
Many common aches and pains can be simply treated at home without the need to consult a doctor.
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 and taking care to smooth out creases in the bottom sheet which could lead to localised irritation. Keep your eye open for red marks appearing at the pressure points such as heels, elbows, buttocks and hips and if they begin to appear inform the doctor before they get worse.
BURNS
Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain this until the pain subsides. This may take as long as 15 minutes! If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose, dry dressing.
If the burn is larger than 4 or 5 inches or so in diameter, if the skin is broken or it starts to look infected, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
CHICKEN POX
On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4mm across. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next 3 or 4 days further patches will appear and the 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 2 or 3 days before the rash appears and up to 5 days after this date. Children may return to school 7 days after the outbreak of the most recent crop of spots.
COLDS
Even in this day and age there is still no magic cure for the common cold. Go to bed, take plenty of drinks. If you have a headache or are feverish, take aspirin or paracetamol. Do not bother to take any antibiotics you may have in the house as these will have no effect! You do not need to see a doctor.
FLU/VIRAL INFECTIONS
This usually starts with a high temperature, runny nose, sore throat and aches and pains in the body. These are viral infections and do not always need antibiotics. During the first 48 hours rest, paracetamol tablets (2 every 6 hours) with plenty of fluids and a light diet helps to relieve symptoms in most cases.
In children with fever due to viral infections, sponging, along with paracetamol syrup further helps to bring down the temperature. If you have any concens regarding child illness, please ask for advice.
If you are over 65, asthmatic, diabetic or have coronary heart disease you are advised to have a flu injection yearly. Please make an appointment during October and November.
DIARRHOEA
In adults diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral infection and is therefore unable to be treated directly. The symptoms can usually be eased by taking advice from your local pharmacist who will recommend an over the counter treatment.
Holiday diarrhoea is often due to a bacteria. Again, over the counter treatments can be taken. In both cases, consult your doctor if the symptoms persist for more than a few days. Diarrhoea in very young children and babies needs careful attention. Most babies have loose bowel actions during their first 6 months due to their predominantly liquid diet. To avoid dehydration drink plenty of water.
If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or sooner in the case of a child, or are accompanied by vomiting or weakness, consult your doctor.
GASTROENTERITIS
Gastroenteritis describes a group of diseases affecting the stomach or part of the intestine. Symptoms are often diarrhoea, sickness and stomach ache. Because the lining of the stomach is likely to be inflamed, medicines are often immediately vomited up. To avoid dehydration you should drink large quantities of water, diluted fruit juice or thin soup. If you are still vomiting, stick to water only. Try sipping it, frequently, in small amounts.
Consult your doctor if you continue to be sick for more than 24 hours (6 hours in the case of babies and infants).
MINOR CUTS AND GRAZES
Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry dressing.
MEASLES
The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the fourth day of illness. It is at its most infectious from 2 or 3 days before the rash appears until 8 or 10 days after that date.
Though the rash is very dramatic, measles is accompanied by more upsetting symptoms. The whites of the eyes and inside the nose become sore, red and watery. A cough develops and many patients also suffer from earache. Paracetamol syrup and a simple cough linctus will help. The patient will also find comfort from staying away from bright sunlight in a shaded room.
If the symptoms are very distressing contact your doctor.
MUMPS
Symptoms are painful swelling of the glands in front of one ear often followed, after a couple of days, by swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious from 2 or 3 days before the swelling appears until 8 or 10 days after that date.
GERMAN MEASLES (RUBELLA)
The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2-4mm and doesn’t itch. No other symptoms are usually present apart from occasional aching joints. It is infectious from 2 days before the rash appears, until the rash disappears in about 4 or 5 days from that date. The only danger is to unborn babies and, therefore, it is important that all contacts are informed in order than anyone who may be pregnant can contact their doctor.
Immunisation in the form of MMR can prevent these distressing and sometimes even dangerous diseases.
NOSE BLEEDS
Sit in a chair, lean forward over a basin or bowl with your mouth open. Pinch your nose firmly with your thumb and first finger. You should pinch the fleshy mobile part just below the bony bridge. It is useless to pinch the bridge itself. Keep your nose pinched for approximately 12 minutes. Avoid hot drinks or food for a few hours after that. Try also not to wipe your nose too much, or to sneeze. If the bleeding persists, consult your doctor or accident and emergency department.
STOMACH ACHE
Most attacks are not serious and are usually caused by indigestion or wind. A hot water bottle will often relieve the symptoms and, in the case of indigestion, a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a glass of water will help. If the pains lasts for longer than 8 hours or increases in intensity you should consult your doctor.
SPRAINS
Firstly apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible for 15 to 30 minutes. A bag of frozen peas is ideal for this. This will reduce blood flow to the sprained area and therefore minimise bruising and subsequent swelling. Apply, firmly, a crêpe bandage and give the sprain plenty of rest until the discomfort has subsided. If possible, keep the sprained joint raised. This will make it more comfortable and less swollen.
SUNBURN
Sun protection is very important. Children are particularly susceptible to sunburn and great care should be taken to avoid over exposure to the harmful effects of the sun. It is advisable to protect all exposed areas with a suitable sunscreen and a hat before going out in the sun. If you unfortunately do get sunburn, treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotions will relieve the irritation whilst paracetamol will also help.
HEADLICE (NITS)
These creatures, contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and are therefore not a sign of poor personal hygiene. The regular use of special combs and hair conditioner is effective. Medicated head lotion can be obtained from the chemist without prescription.
INSECT BITES & STINGS
Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription and will usually relieve most symptoms.
Note: Bee stings should be scraped away rather than “plucked” in order to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound.
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