FIRST AID /
COMMON AILMENTS
Nosebleeds
The traditional treatment is to pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for 10 minutes. We find, however, that it is more effective to pack the bleeding nostril with soft tissue that has been firmly rolled up into a lump the size of the little finger tip (the part covered by the nail). This allows you to carry on with hands free. If bleeding persists, make a larger lump of tissue, blow the nose clear then re-pack it.
Head Lice
These are becoming increasingly resistant to chemical treatments. Children will also become repeatedly re-infected. Therefore, if scalp lotion from the chemist fails, we recommend daily combing with a nit comb of the wet hair, or vigorous brushing of dry hair with a stiff bristle type brush. This damages any lice and prevents them laying eggs, so preventing an infestation from developing.
Sore Throat
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and antibiotics are not effective. Give Paracetamol or Cocodamol to ease tha pain or gargle and swallow soluble aspirin if over 12 (children under 12 should not be given aspirin). If the sore throat persists or the patient becomes ill, seek medical advice.
Sprains
Rest and elevate the part (e.g. ankle) and apply ice or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel for about 15 minutes. Then put on a crepe bandage, elevate and rest until the discomfort has subsided. It may be painful for several days.
Sunburn
Prevention is much easier than cure- apply a high factor (at least 15-20 and TOTAL sunblock for babies and children) sun screen before you or your child goes into the sun. This is particularly important in breezey weather and from May to July and between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (If your children have pale skin and red hair, go to shady woods, not the sunny beach!)
Treat sunburn like any other burn. Applying Calamine lotion may help a little, as well as taking Paracetamol, but sadly the real answer is to be more careful in the first place. Children are particularly susceptible to sunburn and great care should be taken to avoid over exposure. Sunburn can predispose to skin cancer in later life.
Worms
It is common for pre-school children (and occasionally older children and adults) to get threadworm. They are spread by hand to mouth contact in the same way as tummy bug. The worms are often noticed as white cotton thread-like tiny worms in the motions in a child's pot. Sometimes the child may wake at night with an itchy bottom and they are then seen near the bowel opening. There is no cause for alarm- it is not a dangerous condition. Ask us the following day in Surgery for some medicine to clear the infection (adults can buy treatment from a chemist).
Back Pain
If the pain was caused by misuse such as lifting heavy weights, be sensible and take things easy. Avoid activity and posture that increases the pain and rest in whatever position gives relief. Aspirin, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen will not only help relieve the pain but will help to relieve inflammation. It is advisable to consult the Doctor if pain persists for more than a few days or if severe, so stronger painkillers such as coproxamol can be prescribed.
Burns
Apply as much clean, cold water as possible to the whole area as fast as possible- seconds count. Keep cool water flowing over all the area until the pain subsides. This may take as long as 15 minutes. If the skin is unbroken or blistered, apply a loose dry dressing. If the burn is larger than 3 or 5 inches (10-12 cms) in diameter or if the skin is broken, consult your Doctor or local Accident Department as soon as possible. You will need a good painkiller, contact your surgery for this.
Family Medicine Chest
Here is a list of useful medicines, dressings and a description of their uses. All are quite cheap and worth stocking at home in readiness for minor illnesses. Keep them in a box or cupboard with a lock or store them well out of reach of children.
Paracetamol Mixture- For the relief of pain or fever in young children.
Sedative Cough Linctus- For dry or painful coughs.
Vapour Rub- For steam inhalations, also useful for children with stuffy noses or dry coughs. Rub on chest and nose.
Antiseptic Solution- One teaspoon diluted in warm water for cleaning cuts & grazes.
Antiseptic Cream- For treating septic spots, sores in the nose & grazes.
Calamine Lotion- For dabbing (not rubbing) on insect bites, stings & sunburn.
Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment- Use for dermatitis, insect bites & sunburn.
Rehydration Solution Sachets- For use in vomiting or diarrhoea, especially in small children. An alternative is fruit juice.
Plasters- For minor cuts.
3" Wide Crepe Bandage- To keep dressings in place. To support sprained or bruised joints.
Cotton Wool- For cleaning cuts & grazes.
Thermometer- For fevers.
Tweezers- For removing splinters.
Antihistamines- These can be useful in relieving inflammation from itchy rashes and other allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching watery eyes and swelling associated with insect bites. The old fashioned antihistamines like Piriton can be sedative and useful at night and following sunburn. More modern antihistamines which are non-sedative are preferred for daytime use when drowiness could be a problem or dangerous.
Indigestion Remedy- Chalky type tablets are helpful for indigestion and heartburn.
N.B. Please return old or unused medicines to reception. Some of these can be used, others will need to be carefully disposed of. Do not throw old medicines away as they are highly polluting.