Family Medicine Chest

Here is a list of useful medicines and dressings with a description of their use.  All are quite cheap and should be  stocked up at home in preparation for any minor illness or accident.  Keep them in a box or cupboard with a lock, or store them well out of the reach of children.

Antihistamine Tablets

For relief of inflammaiotn from stings or itchy rashes and other allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes and swelling associated with insect bites.

Antiseptic Cream

For treating septic spots and sores on intact skin, not on open wounds.

Antiseptic Mouthwash

Gargles will often relieve a sore throat.

Calamine Lotion

For dabbing on bites, stings and sunburn.  Also soothes chickenpox and shingles.

Cotton Wool

For dabbing on calamine lotion.  Use gauze for cleaning cuts and grazes.

Dressings, plasters and bandages

Always useful - for minor cuts and grazes.

Paracetamol mixture

For the relief of pain or fever in young children.  Do not use medicine and gel together.

Paracetamol or Aspirin tablets

Good for headaches, colds, sore throats and painful bruises.  Under no circumstances should Aspirin be given to children under the age of 16.

Sunscreen

For protection from the sun - a must!

Thermometer

For measuring fevers.

Tweezers

For removing splinters and ticks.

Remember that your local pharmacy can give you advice about all medicines.