Earache in Children is particularly common, again it rarely requires any treatment other than Calpol, but if it persists for longer than 3 days further treatment may be necessary.

In cases of doubt, or if someone feels unusually unwell, we are always pleased to advise whether or not such illnesses require specific treatment, and the doctor or nurse can provide further information on self-care.

High Temperature/Fever
Often accompanies viral infections and is usually harmless. Ensure you drink plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration: do not overdress even if you feel cold, and take Paracetamol to reduce temperature. In children if the temperature is above 38 degrees, use Paracetamol elixir or Ibuprofen suspension and tepid sponge the forehead, neck and upper arms with a moist sponge or flannel. This will help to reduce the temperature by evaporation and make the child feel fresher

Back pain
Back pain is a common condition that affects most adults at some point in their lives. Episodes are usually short-lived. Take regular doses of Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (if appropriate) to relieve pain. It is important to keep mobile, but you should avoid activities such as lifting. If the symptoms persist for more than a few days you should consult your doctor. See your doctor promptly if you have pain down a leg as well, or urgently if the control of the bladder or bowels is affected.

Diarrhoea And Vomiting
Diarrhoea and vomiting can be serious conditions for babies and elderly people and advice should be sought for these groups. For most people the initial treatment is to ensure that enough fluids are taken. This is best achieved by taking small amounts of clear, non fizzy fluids, such as diluted squash or water frequently. It is best to avoid milk products, fizzy drinks and alcohol as these can make symptoms worse. Bland food, such as dry toast, thin soups and plain biscuits can be taken as tolerated. Gradual return to a normal diet can be expected as symptoms improve. It is important to remember that adequate fluid intake is more important than food at the beginning of the illness.

Medication to stop diarrhoea and vomiting is usually unnecessary and is best avoided in children and the elderly, as side effects of this treatment can make you worse and delay recovery. If you do find your diarrhoea particularly distressing and are normally well, you can get further advice from your local pharmacist, who will advise you on what suitable treatment is available without prescription.
 
Burns
Apply lots of cold water to the area until the pain subsides, which might take 15 minutes. If the skin is blistered but unbroken, apply a loose dry dressing. If the burn is bigger than 5 inches across, or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor or nurse promptly. Children with burns should be brought to the doctor.

Stomach Ache
Most attacks are not serious and are usually caused by indigestion or wind. A hot water bottle will often relieve the symptoms and, in the case of indigestion, a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a glass of water will help.

If the pain lasts for longer than eight hours or increases in intensity you should consult your doctor.

Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis describes 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 immediately vomited up.

Large quantities of water, orange juice, milk or thin soup should be taken to counter the effects of dehydration. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a day or, in the case of babies or young children, six hours.

Sunburn
Everyone should take care in the sun, children and those with fair skins especially. Use high factor sun protection creams, wear loose clothing and a hat, stay out of strong sun especially in the middle of the day. If you do overdo it, cover up and stay out of the sun, treat any burns as detailed above, and consult your doctor or nurse if serious burns.

Nose Bleeds
Sit upright, lean forward and pinch nostrils together firmly. Release every 5 minutes to see if bleeding has stopped. If bleeding continues after 30 minutes, consult your doctor or the local Accident and Emergency Unit

Insect bites and stings
These are generally harmless, if painful. Apply an ice cube or cold compress to reduce redness and pain. Antihistamine creams, or hydrocortisone cream, can be obtained from the pharmacist and can be helpful. Occasionally bites or stings give rise to a severe reaction, in which case seek urgent medical help.

Head lice
These creatures prefer clean hair and are not a sign of poor personal hygiene. They spread by head to head contact, so are common in schoolchildren and among family members of an affected person. The only reliable indication of active infestation is to find live adult lice, most commonly at the nape of the neck or behind the ears. ‘Nits’ are hatched eggs and do not mean there is an active infestation. Wet combing with conditioner and a fine ‘nit’ comb every three days for two weeks will clear lice in a third of cases – all family members should do this. Treatments are available from the pharmacist or doctor if this fails.

Minor Cuts & Grazes
Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about 5 minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressing.

Urinary Tract Infection/Cystitis
With infections of the urinary tract, it is common to experience pain or a burning feeling when passing urine (water) and urine may be passed more often and in small amounts. It may also be bloodstained. Symptoms can be helped by drinking plenty of liquid to 'flush out' the bladder. It is advisable to seek medical advice early if you think you have urinary tract infection (especially if the patient is a child) and you may save time by bringing a sample of your urine to be checked by the nurse before seeing the doctor.

Warts and Verrucas
These are caused by a virus and almost all disappear in time with no treatment. Discomfort from verrucas can be avoided by keeping them soft and 'pared down' with the use of a pumice stone or a foot scraper. We provide further information sheets on this and recommend over-the-counter wart removing preparations. For the few warts or verrucas that cause persistent problems, we occasionally offer surgical removal or freezing with liquid nitrogen. If you feel this may be needed, you will be required to make an appointment to discuss it with one of the doctors.

Sprains And Strains
There is usually an obvious cause, such as a twisting injury when playing sports. There may be pain and some swelling. The initial treatment is to rest the affected limb, put ice packs (a bag of frozen peas is just as good) onto the swelling, raise the affected limb, such as resting it on a stool or pillow and take painkillers regularly such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. If you suspect that you may have a broken bone a trip to the Accident and Emergency Department of the local hospital is more appropriate than visiting your doctor as an x-ray may be needed.

Bed Sores
Bed 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 doctor before they get worse.

Useful Medicines to Keep at Home
The following medicines are readily available from the local chemist shop and some supermarkets and do not require a prescription.

They should be kept in a secure place where children cannot reach them and contained in bottles with childproof tops.

Always follow the instructions and advice given with the medicine. If in doubt, your pharmacist will be able to advise you.

Paracetamol Tablets or Mixture: - this can be used for pain and fevers. It is particularly effective in viral illnesses such as colds and flu.
Aspirin: - can be used by adults and children over 16 years of age. (It should be avoided in people with asthma and those with a history of indigestion or ulcers.) It can be used as an alternative to paracetamol for pain and fever control. Some people find that gargling with two aspirin dissolved in a small amount of water is particularly good for sore throats.
lbuprofen Tablets or Suspension: - for adults and children over one year of age. (It should be avoided in people with asthma and those with a history of indigestion or ulcers.) It can be used as an alternative to paracetamol for pain and fever control.
Menthol Crystals/Vapour Rub: - added to hot water, these inhalations can be used for treating catarrh and dry painful coughs. Saline drops are suitable for babies.
Calamine Lotion: - for dabbing (not rubbing) on insect bites, stings, sunburn and chickenpox.
Plasters, Simple Dry Dressings, Cotton Wool: - can be used for cleaning and dressing minor cuts and grazes.
Thermometer: - this is useful for checking fevers and monitoring effectiveness of fever-relieving treatments.
Antihistamines: - for any allergic reaction including hayfever, itching and swelling associated with insect bites and stings etc.
Tweezers: - for removing splinters.

Your pharmacist can give useful advice about these and other medicines you may be taking.

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