Self-treatment

Coughs Colds and Stuffy Noses

These are caused by viruses and there is no magic cure.

Paracetamol will relieve headache, sore throat and aching muscles, as well as bring down the fever.  Drink plenty of fluids.

The illness will last 5-6 days but the cough may persist for several more days. Troublesome coughs may respond to steam inhalations and cough linctus.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting

In adults and older children this will usually get better on its own. Treatment consists of replacing fluid that you have lost and resting the digestive system by avoiding solids for 24hrs. Drink plenty of clear fluids.

Dioralyte or Rehydrate are available at the chemist and
are useful for young children.

Loperamide can be used for diarrhoea in adults. If vomiting is a problem take small sips of fluids every few minutes.

If symptoms persist or diarrhoea contains blood make an
appointment to come to the surgery.

A Child with a Temperature

Paracetamol or ibuprofen reduces a child’s temperature. In most cases this is the only treatment required. If there is no improvement in 2-3 days see the Doctor or Nurse.

Please bring children to the surgery when they are ill rather than requesting a home visit. They will usually be seen sooner and will come to no harm.

Minor Cuts and Grazes

Wash the wound thoroughly with water. To stop bleeding, apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about 5 minutes. Cover with a clean dressing.

Insect Bites and Stings

Most of these need no treatment. Antihistamine tablets can be purchased from the chemist without a prescription.

Bee tings should be scraped away rather than �plucked’ in order to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound.

Burns

Immediately apply large quantities of cold water and maintain until the pain subsides (about 15 minutes). If the skin is blistered apply a loose dressing. If the bum is large or the skin is broken contact the nurse or the casualty department.

Sunburn

Treat as for other bums. Children are especially susceptible. Cool the skin with cold water. Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation. Paracetamol will also help.

Cystitis

Very common in women. Causes a burning sensation on passing urine and frequent urge to pass urine. Drink plenty of fluids. If symptoms last more than 24hrs consult your doctor.

Threadworms

Small white worms seen in the motion. Suspect if there is scratching around the anus especially at night. They are spread by eggs under the nails put into mouth. Medicine is available from the chemist. All
family members should be treated and be meticulous about washing hands.

Headlice

Do not treat unless found, they are a grey brown colour. They can only be caught by clambering from one head to another. Anyone can have them. Empty egg sacs are white and are further down the hair shaft.

TREATMENT wash hair normally. When hair is still wet apply lots of conditioner, comb after each stroke.Repeat 2-3 days for 2 weeks to remove any hatching lice.

Leaflets are available from the surgery.

Nose Bleeds

Sit in a chair and pinch the whole of the soft part of the nose for approximately 10 minutes. An ice pack may be beneficial. If symptoms persist consult your Doctor.

Sprains

Rest the limb, cool the affected area with cold water or ice to reduce the swelling. Keep the limb elevated.