Bed SoresBed sores are far easier to prevent than cure. They are caused by prolonged pressure to certain parts of the body when lying in bed for long periods. They can be prevented by encouraging the patient to shift position as often as possible. Take care to smooth out creases in the bottom sheet to avoid irritation. If red marks appear at the pressure points such as heels, elbows, buttocks and hips, inform the district nurses before they get worse.
Sore ThroatsFour out of every five sore throats are caused by viruses and therefore antibiotics are useless. If your throat is sore but you are otherwise okay there is no need to see the doctor, simply give children paracetamol syrup at the recommended dose and fluids ( aspirin should NOT be given to children under 16).
BurnsRun cold water over the burnt area until the pain subsides. If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose dressing. If the skin is broken or the burn is extensive, contact the surgery.
Colds and FluThere is still no magic cure for these ailments, Most of these are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. Go to bed and drink plenty of fluids. If you have a headache or are feverish, discuss with a pharmacist the appropriate over-the-counter medicine. If symptoms persist for more than three days, contact your doctor.
Diarrhoea and VomitingThis 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 water, diluted squash or soda water to counter the effects of dehydration. Children can be given special sachets of sugar and salt crystals obtainable from your chemist. If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, contact your doctor.
NosebleedsSit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the nasal bone for four hours. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor.
Cuts and GrazesWash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap or antiseptic. Apply direct pressure to any bleeding point. Apply a clean firm dressing.
SunburnTreat as for other burns with cold water. Oily calamine lotion will relieve irritation and paracetamol will also help. Great care should be taken to avoid over-exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, particularly with children.
Insect Bites and StingsAntihistamine tablets can be obtained from your chemist without prescription and will relieve most symptoms in 48 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.
Head LiceThese 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.
ChickenpoxOn the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4mm across. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next three or four days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn “crusty” and fall off Calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool bathing may also help. The most infectious period is from two to three days before the rash appears until all of the blisters have become crusty. Children may return to school as soon as the last “crusts” have dropped off.
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