Self
Treatment
Of
Common
Illnesses
And
Accidents
Find Symptom in list, Press Submit button, use 'BACK' to return to top.
Keep all tablets and medicines well out of the reach of children.
Most minor illnesses and accidents can be treated at home
without needing to see the doctor.
However, if you are uncertain as to what to
do or are worried,
please contact NHS
direct 0845-4647 or ask us for advice.
Try NHS
Choices or What
Should I Do? for internet based advice.
Have a look too at the first
aid pages of the British Red Cross
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BACK PAIN
The ideal is prevention - learn to sit, bend and lift correctly and keep generally fit. In an episode of sudden back pain try to keep mobile within the limits of the pain. Take regular pain killers, eg Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Gradually increase mobility and exercise, even if it hurts a little. Avoid staying in one position for more than 30 minutes. Consult the doctor if the pain is severe, does not ease or if there is severe leg pain or bowel or bladder disturbances.
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BURNS AND SCALDS
Apply cold water to the affected area immediately and apply a clean, dry dressing. For severe or widespread burns, consult the doctor or practice nurse as soon as possible.
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CHICKENPOX
On the first day a rash appears as small red patches. Within a few hours of these developing small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next 3-4 days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off. They are mostly on the body, and less on the limbs. 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 7 days after the outbreak of the most recent crop of spots (i.e. when they are scabbed over).
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COLDS AND FLU
These usually start with a runny nose, temperature, aches
and pains. Antibiotics will not help as these illnesses are caused by
viruses. Keep warm, rest and take plenty of fluids. Paracetamol taken
every 6 hours will relieve the worst of the symptoms.
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CONSTIPATION
It doesn't matter if you don't go to the toilet every day or even only once or twice a week. It is more important that the motions are not too hard. By drinking plenty of fluids and eating fibre, eg brown bread, bran, vegetables and fruit, most people can control symptoms. Do not take stimulant laxatives such as Senna on a regular basis. You should see your doctor if you have any persistent unexplained change in bowel habit.
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Wash the wound thoroughly. Apply a clean dressing and put on pressure until the bleeding stops. If the wound is gaping or you are worried, seek medical advice. Dirty cuts especially, may need to be seen and if tetanus immunisation is not up to date (i.e. more than 10 years ago), a booster may be required.
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CYSTITIS
Means pain on passing water and a feeling that you need to go again straight away. Drinking plenty of fluids can help. Simple preparations from the chemist such as cystopurin can help make the urine less acid and ease the burning pains. Cranberry juice works in a similar way. Take painkillers for pain.
If the symptoms do not improve, or you are ill in yourself,
develop backache or pass blood, contact your doctor. Take a urine sample
(in a sterilised bottle) with you when you attend.
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DIARRHOEA AND/OR VOMITING
These illnesses are usually self-limiting. Avoid food for
at least 24 hours or until the symptoms ease. Drink plenty of water or
electrolyte solutions, (e.g. Dioralyte or Electrolade available from your
chemist) and avoid milk and dairy produce for several days after you are
better.
In small children and babies, you may need to telephone for advice if
the symptoms persist.
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EARACHE
Earache is common in children, less so in adults. Unless the patient is particularly unwell or the ear is discharging, treatment with antibiotics is unlikely to be helpful in the first 48 hours. Regular pain killers, eg Paracetamol in the appropriate dose are helpful. Most cases will subside during this period. If it lasts longer than 48 hours it is reasonable to seek medical advice.
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FEVER IN CHILDREN
These are mostly caused by viruses, especially in toddlers. Keep the child cool, give regular paracetamol medicine (e.g. Calpol) according to the dosage instructions on the bottle - and plenty of drinks. Junior ibuprofen is a good alternative to paracetamol. Children often lose their appetite so do not worry about meals if they are not interested. Consult the doctor if the child seems particularly unwell, or is not improving by 48 hours.
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Consult the doctor if loss of consciousness occurred, or if there is vomiting, blurred vision, worsening drowsiness, difficulty in walking or a severe headache. In the young and old symptoms may develop many days afterwards - ask for advice if in doubt.
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Headlice are common especially in children. Treatment is required if living lice are seen on the scalp. Dead egg cases or 'nits' do not require treatment unless living lice are seen. Treatment is available from any chemist.
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INSECT BITES AND STINGS
Wasps - Apply vinegar to neutralise the
sting as soon as possible.
Bees - Scrape away the sting and apply a little bicarbonate
of soda solution as soon as possible.
Generally - Keep some antihistamine tablets in the house
to use when necessary (and particularly if travelling abroad) to soothe
itch and soreness.
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NOSE BLEEDS
Sit in a chair, bend forward slightly and squeeze the nose firmly below the bone for 10 minutes. Avoid the temptation to blow the nose or sneeze for 24 hours. If bleeding persists attend your nearest A & E department for help - the nose may need packing. If symptoms recur consult the doctor.
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SORE THROATS
Again, these are mainly caused by germs that heal by themselves. Unless the patient is really unwell, antibiotics are unlikely to help. Keep drinking fluids and take paracetamol (or aspirin gargles if over 18 years old) every 6 hours.
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SPRAINS AND STRAINS
Immediately apply a cold compress, e.g. a pack of frozen
peas or crushed ice wrapped in a towel or cloth to take down the swelling.
A firm bandage may give support. Rest the affected area and if your ankle
is affected, raise it above the hip level to reduce swelling.
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SUNBURN
Avoid exposure to strong sun and use a good sunscreen with a good protection factor, especially for children. Otherwise treat as burns and drink plenty of fluid.
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Is a common cause of itchy creamy vaginal discharge. It is often triggered by taking antibiotics and by menstruation. Treatment is available at your chemist. You should see your doctor if you have persistent vaginal discharge or frequent attacks of thrush.
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Threadworms are common and are easily dealt with by treatment available from the chemist.
