Self Treatment
TREATMENT OF COMMON ILLNESSES AND ACCIDENTS
Many common aches and pains can be simply treated at home without the need to consult a doctor.
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 in diameter or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible or attend the local minor injuries unit at Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley.
Colds
Even in this day and age there is still no magic cure for the common cold. Go to bed, have plenty of non alcoholic 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 - these will have no effect.
Sore Throat
Sore throats almost always get better within five days whatever treatment is given. They are mostly caused by viruses and do not respond to antibiotics. Paracetamol and lozenges can relieve the pain.
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 3 or 4 days further patches will appear and the earlier one 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.
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.
Diarrhoea & Vomiting
Main treatment is to prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of clear fluids. Vomiting usually settles within a few hours. If it persists beyond 24 hours (sooner if babies and young children) consult your doctor. In adults and older children Kaolin mixture will help reduce the diarrhoea.
German Measles (Rubella)
The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2-4 mms 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 that anyone who may be pregnant can contact their doctor.
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. Avoid hot drinks or food for 24 hours. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor
Stomach Ache
Most attacks are not serious and are usually caused by indigestion or wind. A teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a glass of water will help. Even better, is a simple antacid (e.g. Rennie, Gaviscon) available without prescription.
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.
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.
Sprains
First apply a cold compress containing ice if possible, for 15 to 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.
THE FAMILY MEDICINE CHEST
Here is a list of useful medicines and dressings with a descriptions of their uses. All are quite cheap and worth stocking at home in readiness for minor illnesses.
Paracetamol tablets
For adults and older children. Good for headaches, colds, sore throats and painful bruises.
Paracetamol Mixture
e.g. Calpol - for relief of pain or fever in young children.
Menthol Crystals
Add to hot water to make steam inhalations for treating catarrh and dry or painful coughs.
Vapour Rub
Again, for steam inhalations. Also useful for children with stuffy noses or dry coughs. Rub on the chest and nose.
Antiseptic Solution
One teaspoon diluted in warm water for cleaning cuts and grazes.
Antiseptic Cream
For treating septic spots, sore in the nose and grazes.
Calamine Lotion
For dabbing (not rubbing) on insect bits and stings and sunburn.
Dressing Strips
For minor cuts
3" Wide Crepe Bandage
To keep dressings in place. To support sprained or bruised joints.
Cotton Wool
For cleaning cuts and grazes.
Thermometer
For fevers
Tweezers
For removing splinters
Remember that your local chemist can give you advice about medicines
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