Self Treatment of Illnesses and Accidents
Many common aches and pains can be simply treated at home without the need to consult a Doctor.
- Minor cuts and grazes
- Burns and scalds
- Colds and flus
- Sore Throats
- Vomiting and/ or diarrhoea
- Sprains
- Temperature in a child
Minor cuts and grazes
Wash and clean the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about five minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressing.
Burns and scalds
Minor burns and scalds cause redness to the skin. Treat immediately by pouring cold water over the area for ten to fifteen minutes. If the skin is blistered or broken consult the Doctor as soon as possible.
Sunburn should be prevented by avoiding long exposure, adequate sun cream protection and the use of a hat-especially in children and in babies. It can be treated with calamine lotion and paracetemol.
Colds and flus
Even in this day and age there is still no 'magic cure' for the common cold or flu. They are caused by viruses and antibiotics are of no help. Symptomatic treatment is best to ease your symptoms. Go to bed to rest if necessary. If you have any aches and pains or fever, take Paracetemol or Aspirin (Aspirin is not recommended for children under twelve years).
Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids and do not worry if you are not eating, you will come to no harm for a few days.
A stuffy nose can be eased by inhaling steam from a jug/bowl-add a little Vicks or olbos oil. Trap steam with a towel over your head and the bowl. If you are unsure about your illness or are suffering from chest symptoms you should see your Doctor.
Sore throats
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and antibiotics are of no help. Symptomatic treatment includes plenty of soothing drinks, gargle (salt water, soluble Aspirin), any propriety sore throat lozenges and painkillers such as Paracetemol or Aspirin (which will also help with temperatures). Seek medical advice if there are no signs of improvement after three days.
Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
Again most cases are due to viral infection, and do not require antibiotics. Treat with frequent small amounts of liquid preferably dioralyte/rapolyte solutions (you can buy these sachets over the counter in your local pharmacy) or flat 7-up; avoid milk and food for 24 hours. As the stomach settles, take simple solids such as dry biscuits or toast before returning to normal diet. Consult the Doctor if;
- accompanied by continuous stomach pains or if any signs of blood in the diarrhoea.
- an attack comes shortly after a visit abroad.
- if symptoms persist longer than 3 days in an adult or child or if longer than 24 hours in a small baby or infant. A baby who is unusually drowsy/lethargic or has persistent dry nappies needs to be seen by the Doctor urgently to assess for possible dehydration
Sprains
Firstly apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for fifteen to thirty minutes to reduce 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.
Temperature in a child
Most childhood infections are caused by viruses and do not respond to antibiotics. The main aim of treatment is to bring down your child's temperature and make him/her feel better.
- Give your child Paracetemol (Calpol, Paralink etc.) or Nurofen for children at the maximum dose for that age
- Dress your child in cool clothes e.g. vest and shorts and cool the room by opening doors and windows.
- Give plenty of cool drinks, as fluid is lost with a fever and encourage small amounts frequently, ice lollies etc.
- Sponge your child down with luke-warm water.
- Repeat the dose of paracetemol every four hours or if using Nurofen for children repeat every eight hours.
- If you child does not improve, or appears particularly ill, consult the Doctor.
- Ill children will always be seen as soon as possible at the surgery.
You will not make your child worse by taking them in a pram or car to see the Doctor. Often the fresh air makes feverish children feel better.
