Many common aches and pains can be simply treated at home without the need to consult a Doctor.
Please note: although the following advice is as comprehensive and accurate as possible, it is only general and should not be used as a substitute for the patient consulting their own Doctor.
Back Pain
Back pain causes thirteen million working days to be lost in Britain each year. The pain is usually felt at the bottom of the spine and often comes after lifting or twisting. The main treatment for back pain is to take either Aspirin or Paracetamol and rest. If the pain is particularly severe or persists for more than a few days you should consult your Doctor. Back pain can usually be avoided by adopting the correct posture for lifting.
Burns
Run cold water over the area for several minutes until the pain subsides. This is both soothing and reduces the likelihood of blistering. Contact your Doctor if blistering occurs or if the burn is extensive.
Chickenpox
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 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 6 days after the appearance of the rash. Chickenpox ulcers can often be found in the mouth and on the genitals. Sucking ice can ease the discomfort in the mouth.
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 fever take Aspirin or Paracetamol. DO NOT BOTHER TO TAKE ANY ANTIBIOTICS THAT YOU MAY HAVE IN THE HOUSE – THEY WILL HAVE NO EFFECT!
Diarrhoea
In adults, diarrhoea is usually caused by a virus infection and is therefore unable to be treated directly. The symptoms can usually be eased by fluids and 'Dioralyte’, or by medicines containing codeine. Holiday diarrhoea is often due to bacteria. Again, fluids and Dioralyte can be taken. In both the aforementioned cases, if the symptoms persist for more than a few days consult your Doctor. Diarrhoea and vomiting in very young children and babies needs careful attention. Again, this is frequently of viral origin but the importance of preventing dehydration is what matters. Stop milk and solids, give clear fluids. Flavoured Dioralyte sachets properly made up should be used in place of milk. If the child cannot keep fluids down or they appear to be lost in frequent watery diarrhoea, you should consult your Doctor.
German Measles
The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs, in small pink patches about 2-4 mm. It doesn’t itch. Apart from aching joints, no other symptoms are usually present. 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. Immunisation can prevent this condition.
Headlice
This is a very common condition and is not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Headlice prefer clean to dirty hair. Please refer to your Health Visitor.
Insect Bites and Stings
The use of good insect repellent or cream is better than trying to treat yourself after you have been bitten. If the worst happens, antihistamine tablets will ease the itching and can be obtained from the Chemist without a prescription.
Nose Bleeds
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. Try not to blow your nose. If symptoms persist, consult your Doctor.
Rashes in Children
Most pink, blotchy rashes are due to viral infection and are of little importance unless the child feels ill. If the child is obviously unwell and has a rash, he/she should be brought into the surgery. Please tell the Receptionist that your child has a rash so that he/she can be isolated.
Scabies
This is another very common complaint. It usually shows up as itching spots and may affect more than one member of the family. It is often brought home from school by children. Again, it is not a sign of poor personal hygiene but is passed on by direct contact with an infected person. Lotion may be purchased at the Chemist without a prescription. All members of the family should be treated.
Sprains
Firstly, apply a cold compress (containing ice if possible) for 15-30 minutes to reduce the swelling. Apply firmly a crepe bandage and give the sprain plenty of rest until all discomfort has subsided. Further strain will inevitably lead to further swelling and a longer recovery period.
Sunburn
Prevention is better than cure. High factor sun cream should be used. 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 overexposure to harmful effects of the sun.
