Self Treatment
Temperatures
Children often run temperatures with no other symptoms. They need to be cooled down and they will feel much better. Use Paracetamol and remove their clothing down to vest and pants and keep the room temperature down. If no improvement after 48 hours, please contact your doctor for further advice.
Colds or Flu
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 an Aspirin or Paracetamol. Do not bother to take antibiotics you may have in the house - these will probably have no effect.
Diarrhoea
In adults diarrhoea is usually caused by viral infection and therefore cannot be treated directly. They symptoms can usually be eased by the traditional Kaolin and Morphine mixture, containing codeine. Most importantly however, stop food and go onto clear fluids until diarrhoea settles. Holiday diarrhoea is often due to a bacteria. Again, Kaolin & Morphine can be taken. In both cases, consult your doctor if the symptoms persist for more than a few days. Diarrhoea in very young babies needs careful attention. Most babies have loose bowel action during their first 6 months, due to their predominantly liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusually watery diarrhoea should be treated by taking the baby off solids and feeding it boiled water or Dioralyte. If the symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or are accompanied by vomiting or weakness, consult your doctor.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis describes a group of diseases affecting the stomach or part of the intestines. Symptoms are often diarrhoea, sickness and stomachache. Because the lining is likely to be inflamed, medicines are often immediately vomited up. Good quantities of water or weak orange squash should be taken to counter the effects of dehydration, this is best done by taking small quantities very frequently. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours; in the case of babies or young children, 12 hours.
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 a glass of water will help. If the pain lasts for longer than 8 hours or increases in intensity, you should consult your doctor.
Mumps
Symptoms are 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 infections from 2 or 3 days before the swelling appears until 8 or 10 days after that date. If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor.
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. Oily 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 as soon as the last 'crusts' have dropped off.
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. Immunisation can prevent this disease.
German Measles
The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs, in small pink patches and about 2-4mm and doesn't itch. No other symptoms are usually present apart from the 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 that anyone who may be pregnant can contact their doctor.
Headlice
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 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 the contents of the venom sac entering the wound.
Minor Cuts & 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.
Nosebleeds
Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the bone for approximately 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped. Sucking an ice cube can be very helpful, avoid hot drinks or food for 24 hours. If symptoms persist, go to the Accident & Emergency at the hospital.
Sprains
Firstly apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling. Give the sprain plenty of rest and elevate a leg until all discomfort has subsided. Further strain will inevitably lead to further swelling and a longer recovery period. Take Aspirin or Paracetamol for the pain.
Sunburn
Treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine Lotion will relieve the irritation whilst Paracetamol will also help. Children are particularly susceptible to sunburn and great care should be taken to avoid over exposure to the harmful effects of the sun.
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. Do not apply preparations that are not medically recommended. If the burn is large or the skin is broken, go to Accident & Emergency at the hospital.
Back Pain
Back pain is usually caused by lifting too many heavy weights etc. Be sensible and take things easy. Resting flat initially can hasten recovery. Take Aspirin or Paracetamol which will not only relieve the pain but will help to relieve inflammations.
Moles & Melanomas
Malignant moles are increasing in frequency. The danger signs are: sudden darkening in colour, rapid increase in size, irregular spreading edge, bleeding or itching. If in doubt consult your doctor.
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Surgery Info