Self Treatment of Common Illnesses and Accidents

DISCLAIMER:
This is general advice only and NOT a substitute for seeing your doctor.
If you have any further concerns please seek attention from your GP.
 

Many common aches and pains can be simply treated at home without the need to consult a doctor.

Back Pain
Most cases of back pain will settle themselves with rest, painkillers and gentle heat.  Contact your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few days or are unduly severe.

Burns
Run cold water over the burned area until the pains subsides.  If the skin is unbroken but blistered apply a loose dry dressing.  If the skin is broken or the burn extensive, contact the surgery or the local casualty department.

Colds and Flu
There is still no magic cure for these ailments.  Rest and drink plenty of fluids.  If you have muscular aches and pains and are feverish take paracetamol.  If symptoms persist for more than three days contact your doctor.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting
This is most commonly caused by a virus and settles spontaneously in a few days.  Do not take food or milk but drink large quantities of clear fluid to counter the effects of dehydration.  Special sachets of sugar and salt crystals are obtainable from your chemist.  If the vomiting persists for more than 24 hours or six hours in babies, contact your doctor.  Always seek medical advice if a child in particular seems unduly ill with vomiting or is accompanied by a rash.

Insect Bites & Stings
Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription and will usually relieve most symptoms in 24 hours.  Apply vinegar to neutralise a wasp sting and sodium bicarbonate to a bee sting.  Scrape away a bee sting to avoid squeezing the venom sac.  Contact your doctor urgently if you develop  swelling of the lips, tongue or wheezing after a sting or bite.

Minor Cuts & Grazes
Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap and antiseptic then apply a clean, firm dressing.  Apply direct pressure to any bleeding point.  Contact the surgery or local casualty department if you are concerned.

Nose Bleeds
Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the nasal bone for 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped. Do not blow your nose for four hours. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Sunburn
Treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation, paracetamol and antihistamine may also help.  Great care should be taken to avoid overexposure to the sun's harmful rays, particularly with children.