friendly and effective care for you and your family
Self treatment of common illnesses and accidents
Many common aches and pains can be simply treated at home without the need to consult a doctor. The following advice is a general guide only, if you have any concerns call your doctor.
Back Pain
Especially low back pain is a common ailment often caused by putting undue stresses on the spine. Lifting heavy weights, bad posture and falls are frequent cause of back pain. If you develop back pain it is generally recommended that you keep active. If you need to lie down ensure that you lie on a firm surface. Pain killing sprays, paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets are often helpful in reducing the pain. If the pain does not ease or you have any concerns please contact your 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 broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Colds and Flu
There is no magic cure for the common cold. Go to bed and take plenty of drinks. If you have a headache or are feverish, take Paracetamol and or ibuprofen. Colds and flu are caused by viruses, your own body provides a cure. Antibiotics are ineffective.
Diarrhoea
In adults diarrhoea is usually caused by viral infections which usually show signs of improvement within a few days. The symptoms can usually be eased by the traditional kaolin mixture or by medicines containing codeine.
Holiday diarrhoea is often due to bacteria. Again, kaolin mixture can be taken. In both the above cases, consult your doctor if the symptoms persist for more than a few days. Diarrhoea in very young children and babies needs careful attention. Most babies have loose bowel action during their first 6 months due to their predominantly liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusually watery diarrhoea should be treated by taking the baby off solids and feeding it a solution of a pint of cooled boiled water with a teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or are accompanied by vomiting or weakness, consult your doctor.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis describes a group if diseases affecting the stomach or part of the intestine. Symptoms are often diarrhoea, sickness and stomach-ache. Because the lining of the stomach is likely to be inflamed, medicines are often immediately vomited up.
Large quantities of water or squash should be taken to counter the effects of dehydration. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a day or, in the case of babies or young children six hours.
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, a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a glass of water will help.
If the pain lasts longer than 8 hours or increases in intensity you should consult your doctor.
Sprains
Firstly apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling. Then 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. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are often helpful in reducing both the pain and swelling of the affected joint.
Nose Bleeds
Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the bone for approximately 15 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped. Avoid hot drinks or hot food for 24 hours. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Minor Cuts and Grazes
Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap, if the wound is dirty clean with a dilute solution of a disinfectant. To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about 5 minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressing.
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 and Stings
Applying ice to an insect bite site often reduces the irritation and swelling. Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription and will usually relieve most symptoms.
Head Lice
These creatures, contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and are, therefore, not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Medicated head lotion can be obtained from the chemist without prescription. Alternatively using an ordinary hair conditioner and combing twice daily with a nit comb can often be successful.
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 ones 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.
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 mm 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.
Measles
This is potentially a very serious illness. The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the fourth day of illness. It is at its most infectious from 2 or 3 days before the rash appears until 8 to 10 days after that date. Immunisation with the MMR vaccine can prevent this illness.
Mumps
Symptoms are swelling of the glands in front of one ear often followed, after a couple of days, but swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious from 2 or 3 days before the swelling appears until 8 to 10 days after that date. If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor.
The Child With A Temperature:
We are aware of how worrying it can be to have a sick child. If you are concerned about your child we will always see him/her the same day at the surgery. A child will come to no harm being brought to the surgery. It is always wise to keep a supply of children's paracetamol (Calpol or Disprol) at home. Paracetamol reduces a child's temperature, so should be given 6 hourly whenever a child has a temperature. In most minor illnesses in childhood this is the only treatment required. If you are worried about your child, or they fail to improve in 2 or 3 days it is worth bringing him/her to the surgery for a check.
Threadworms
Small white worms seen in the motion.
Suspect if there is scratching around the anus especially at night.
Spread by eggs under the nails put in into the mouth.
Medicine is available at the chemist.
All family members should be treated and be meticulous about hand washing.
Cystitis
Frequent passing of urine which stings or burns suggests cystitis, which is sometimes caused by infection. If drinking plenty of fluids, including bicarbonate of soda, (one teaspoon per glass of water 4 times daily) does not relieve symptoms consult the surgery. Children with these symptoms should always be seen by a doctor.
Thrush
Many women have experienced this irritating complaint which is characterised by a white itchy discharge. It can be treated with clotrimazole an antifungal agent that you can buy from your local pharmacy. Avoiding nylon underwear, bubble bath and soap may reduce the chance of recurrence. If symptoms persist see your doctor.
Useful information
Telephone number
01379 642021
Surgery opening hours:
Monday to Friday
8.30am – 7.00pm
