Backpain
– if the pain has been caused by lifting or twisting
take Aspirin or Paracetamol which will not only relieve the
pain but will help to relieve inflammation. Ask your pharmacist
about stronger painkilling medicines or rubs. See your doctor
if the pain persists for more than a few days to get advice
about gentle exercise or stronger drugs.
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Burns and Scalds –
any burn or scald needs immediate action. For minor burns
or scalds, remove any jewellery or clothing that may become
a problem if swelling occurs. Cool the affected area with
cold water for at least 10 minutes then cover with a light
non-fluffy dressing. Do not burst blisters and do not put
on cream or ointments. If the burn is larger than the size
of your hand, or the burn is on the face or the skin is broken
cool the area and seek urgent medical attention.
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Sunburn
– care should be taken at all times to avoid over-exposure
to the sun particularly with children. Treat sunburn as other
burns applying cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotion
(dabbed not rubbed) will relieve the irritation whilst Paracetamol
will also help.
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Insect bites and stings
– First, remove bee stings with tweezers by gripping
the base of the sting nearest the skin to avoid squeezing
the poison sac and apply a cold compress. If stung in the
mouth, suck on an ice cube or sip cold water and seek immediate
medical attention. Always seek medical attention if someone
has an allergy to bites and stings, the sting cannot be removed,
the area around the sting becomes inflamed or someone experiences
shortness of breath or fever.
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Minor cuts and grazes
– press the wound with a clean fabric pad for a few
minutes to stop the bleeding and elevate the limb for a cut
on the arm or leg. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and
a little water and cover with a clean dry dressing or plaster.
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Sprains, strains and bruises
– first apply an ice compress for 15 to 30 minutes to
reduce any swelling. Apply a crepe bandage firmly and give
the sprain plenty of rest in an elevated position until all
the discomfort and swelling has gone. If the limb is not rested,
further pain and swelling will occur and recovery will take
longer.
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Nose bleeds
– sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open)
and pinch your nose just below the bone for approximately
10 minutes when the bleeding should have stopped. Avoid hot
drinks for 24 hours. If symptoms persist consult your doctor/nurse.
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Colds
– unfortunately there is still no cure for the common
cold. The cold will run its course but the symptoms can be
alleviated by drinking more fluids, resting and taking Paracetamol
or aspirin for a headache or fever. There are lots of cold
treatments available from your pharmacist and some are suitable
for children.
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Headlice
– these creatures, contrary to popular belief, prefer
clean hair and are, therefore, not a sign of poor personal
hygiene. They do not survive once removed from the root of
the hair. Medicated head lotion can be obtained from your
pharmacist without prescription.
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Gastro-enteritis
– this is a description of a group of diseases affecting
the stomach or part of the intestine. Symptoms are often diarrhoea,
sickness and stomach ache. Because the lining of the stomach
is likely to be inflamed, medicines are often vomited up immediately.
The stomach and bowels should be rested. In older patients
sips of plain water may suffice but babies and toddlers need
special rehydration fluids which are available from a pharmacist.
If sickness or diarrhoea persists contact a doctor.
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Diarrhoea
– in adults diarrhoea is usually caused by virus infections
and is therefore unable to be treated directly. Holiday diarrhoea
is often due to a bacteria. In both of the above cases, consult
a doctor if the symptoms persist for more than 48 hours. Babies
and young children need careful attention. Sudden bouts of
unusually watery diarrhoea should be treated by taking the
baby off solids and feeding only a solution of boiled water
with a teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt to the
pint. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or are
accompanied by vomiting or weakness, consult a doctor.
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