Back Pain

Low back pain can be treated with painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication which can be purchased over the counter from your local pharmacy.  You may wish to seek help by contacting a physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath.  If the pain goes down your legs, lasts for more than a week or is associated with numbness, weakness or a bladder problem, see your GP.

Burns and Scalds

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, clean, dry dressing.  If the burn covers a large area, or the skin is broken, attend your local Minor Injuries Unit as soon as possible.

Colds

Even today, there is no magic cure for the common cold.  Take plenty of drinks and if you have a headache or are feverish, take aspirin or paracetamol.  Do not take any antibiotics you may have in the house, these will have no effect!

Diarrhoea

Most episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting are caused by viruses.  It is important to take plenty of fluids for the first 24 hours and then avoid milk for 2 -3 days afterwards.  Anti-diarrhoea medication only encourages the virus to stay in your system, it is better to flush it out.  If you have returned from abroad or notice blood in the diarrhoea, please consult your GP.  You may be required to provide a specimen for the laboratory, for further analysis.  If your baby or toddler is affected, please contact your Health Visitor or GP.

Earaches

These mostly occur in children and are usually caused by a virus.  Olive oil and paracetamol is usually all that is required.  You will only need to see a Nurse or a GP if your problem persists for more than 12 hours.  An earache on its own is not considered an emergency.

Emergency Contraception

It is possible to prevent pregnancy if special hormone tablets are started within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse.  This is more effective when taken as soon as possible.  The morning after pill is available over the counter at your local pharmacy.

Eyes

Small pieces of grit or dirt in the eye should be washed out with plenty of boiled cooled water.  If the irritation persists you will need to attend your local Minor Injuries Unit.  Sticky eyes in children can be helped by removing any discharge with cotton wool soaked in warm water.

Fever

Paracetamol reduces fever.  Children can also be cooled down by removing their clothes and using a fan.  Should the fever persist despite these measures, seek the advice of a GP.

Head Lice

Chemical applications are not advised, just apply ordinary hair conditioner daily for two weeks and then comb the hair through thouroughly with a special fine comb, which can be obtained from your local chemist.

Insect Bites and 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.  With wasp stings apply vinegar on a cotton wool pad for 40 minutes.

Minor Cuts and Grazes

Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap.  To stop bleeding, apply a clean dressing firmly to the wound for about 5 minutes.  Cover with a clean, dry dressing.

Nose Bleed

Sit in a chair, leaning forward with your mouth open and pinch your nose just below the bone for approximately 10 minutes.  If the bleeding has not stopped, repeat the process for a further 10 minutes and consider plugging the nose with cotton wool.  If the symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Sore Throats

These are usually due to viruses and generally do not require antibiotics.  Most will not need a doctor's attention unless the sore throat is severe or persists for a few days.

Sprains

Firstly, apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling.  Elevate the foot and give the sprain plenty of rest until all the discomfort has subsided.  Rest the sprain, as further strain will inevitably lead to further swelling and a longer recovery period.  After 24 hours, use within limits of the pain and take simple analgesia.

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, try antacids to help settle the pain.  If the pain lasts longer than 8 hours or increases in intensity you should consult your doctor.

Sunburn

We are all increasingly aware of the dangers of over exposure to the sun and the long-term effects of sunburn.  Great care should be taken to protect your skin using sun block and sun hats, particularly with children who are susceptible to sunburn.  If someone is sunburned treat, as for other burns, with cold water to remove the heat.  Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation whilst paracetamol will also help.  Drink plenty of clear fluids.

Toothache

Paracetamol first, followed by stronger painkillers should the pain become more acute.  Contact your dentist - there are emergency slots available to deal with toothache.

Warts and Veruccas

Creams can be obtained over the counter at your local pharmacy, please follow the directions on the box.

Worms

A common complaint usually starts with an itchy bottom.  Small worms, like pieces of white cotton, can be seen at the back passage or in the motions.  Treatment can be bought from your local pharmacy.  All family members should be treated.  Please follow the directions on the box.