Sign inSelf-treatment of common illnesses and accidents
Back pain
Take Co-codamol or Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. Try to keep the back moving as much as possible and try to keep walking. Avoid heavy lifting or heavy work. See your doctor if you get pain going into your legs or any bowel or bladder problems.
Burns and Scalds
Run cold water over the burnt area until the pain subsides. If the area becomes blistered keep it clean and dry and do not
burst the blisters. If the burn is more than a few inches across or if the skin is broken consult your doctor or the practice nurse.
Coughs and colds
Alas there is still no cure for the common cold!! Antibiotics have no effect on colds or flu. Paracetamol helps if you have a headache or sore throat, or if you are feverish. Throat lozenges and decongestants help to relieve symptoms. It is very important to take plenty of drinks. Dry coughs may be helped by steam inhalation or cough linctus. You should see your doctor if the cough persists for more than one week or coughing produces lots of green or yellow phlegm, or you cough up blood or the cough is accompanied by pain in the chest or shortness of breath or wheeze.
Conjunctivitis
Makes the eyes red and sore and often makes them “sticky”. It often settles without treatment if you bathe the eyes with cool boiled water and wipe away the “matter” with cotton wool. If it doesn’t settle consult your doctor. It is often very infectious so patients should never share towels or flannels and should wash their hands immediately after touching their eyes.
Chickenpox
On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3 or 4mm across. In a few hours small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next 2 to 4 days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn crusty. Calamine lotion may be applied, to soothe the itching, cool baths may also help. The most infectious period is from 2 to 3 days before the rash appears and up to 5 days after this. Children may
return to school as soon as all the blisters have crusted.
Cuts
Bleeding can usually be stopped by applying pressure to the cut with a clean handkerchief for 2 to 3 minutes.Apply a plaster dressing firmly, bringing the edges of the cut together so that it heals quickly. If the cut is deep and the edges cannot be pulled together with a dressing, consult a doctor, practice nurse or the A &E Department at the Manchester Royal Infirmary.A tetanus injection may be required
Cystitis
Cystitis is an inflammation inside the bladder. Over half of the women in this country suffer from it at some time during their lives, often repeatedly. It makes you want to pass urine frequently and when you do pass water it causes a burning sensation.When you first get the symptoms drink a pint of water immediately. A teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in the water can relieve some of the pain. Paracetamol tablets are useful. It is important to carry on drinking plenty of fluids to wash the germs out of your bladder. If your symptoms do not settle in a day consult your doctor and bring a specimen of urine, in a clean container, with you.
Ear wax treatment
We no longer routinely syringe ears, as it can lead to ear infections, perforated ear drum and tinitus (persistant noise). We must provide effective and safe treatment and we feel sure you will agree. However, you can pick up a leaflet from the practice nurse with simple instructions.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis describes a group of diseases affecting the stomach and intestine, almost always caused by a virus. Symptoms are diarrhoea, sickness and stomach cramps. It is important to keep drinking plenty of water, squash or lemonade to prevent dehydration.You should
continue to drink even if you are still being sick. This is particularly important in the very young and elderly.
German measles (Rubella)
A rash appears during the first day and usually covers the whole body in small pink patches about 2 to 4mm in diameter. It does not itch. Often no other symptoms are present apart from occasional aching in the joints. It is infectious from 2 days before the
rash appears until 4 or 5 days afterwards. The only danger is to unborn babies and it is therefore important that any contacts that may be pregnant are informed so that they can consult a doctor.
Immunisation can prevent this disease.
Head Injury
If the patient was knocked out but can remember the accident, it is unlikely that serious injury has resulted, but if the patient was knocked unconscious and cannot remember what happened he or she should be taken to a hospital casualty department without delay. If any patient becomes drowsy or vomits after a head injury, seek medical advice.
Head Lice
These creatures contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and are therefore not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Medicated head lotion, shampoos and creams are available from chemists without prescription. Special nit combs help to eradicate and identify head lice and regular combing and brushing protects the hair from reinfection.
Measles
The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and the body around the fourth day of the illness. It is often preceded by a dry cough (and accompanied by snuffles, red eyes and fever). It is most infectious from 2 days before the rash appears until 10 days after that date. Immunisation can prevent this disease.
Sunburn/Sun beds
Treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation and paracetamol will also help. Avoid sunburn and keep children well covered. Sun beds can harm your skin and should be used with great care.
