Sheringham Medical Practice

Patients Tools (NHS) 

http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/toolslibrary.aspx

Self Treatment of Common Illnesses and Accidents

Some common aches and pains can simply be treated at home without the need to consult a doctor. 
 
Click on the headings below to get advice: 

Back Pain

Back pain causes 13 million working days to be lost in Britain each year.  The spine being made up of 24 fragile bones and associated cartilage and tendons supports the whole weight of the upper body and, therefore, it is understandable that it sometimes goes wrong.  Because of the complex nature of the spine it is advisable to consult your doctor if back pain persists.  If, as is usual, the pain has been caused by abuse i.e. lifting too heavy weights, etc., be sensible and take things easy.  Take care to sit as upright as possible with a support for the small of the back.  Take Aspirin or Paracetamol which will not only relieve the pain but will help to relieve inflammation.  Your doctor will prescribe stronger drugs, heat treatment, gentle exercise or refer you for physiotherapy.

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 and taking care to smooth out creases in the bottom sheet which could lead to localised irritation.  Keep your eye open for red marks appearing at the pressure points such as heels, elbows, buttocks and hips and if they begin to appear, inform the doctor before they get worse.

Burns

Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain this for 10 - 15 minutes.  If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose, dry dressing.  If the burn is larger than 4 or 5 inches in diameter or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Chickenpox

On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3 - 4 mm across.  Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches.  During the next 3 or 4 days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn ‘crusty' and fall off.  Oily 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 last crop of spots appear.

Colds

Even in this day and age there is still no magic cure for the common cold.  Take plenty of drinks and if you have a headache or are feverish, take Aspirin or Paracetamol.  Do not take any antibiotics you may have in the house - these will have no effect!  Children under 12 years should not take Aspirin.

German Measles (Rubella)

The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2 - 4 mm and does not itch.  No other symptoms are usually present apart from occasional aching joints.

It is infectious from 2 days before the rash appears, until the rash disappears in about 4 or 5 days from that date.

The only danger is to unborn babies and, therefore, it is important that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be pregnant can contact their doctor.

Immunisation can prevent this disease.

Head Lice

These 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, or as an alternative they can be treated by wet-combing with a head lice comb.

Measles

The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the fourth day of illness.  It is at its most infectious from 2 or 3 days before the rash appears until 8 or 10 days after that date.

Immunisation can prevent this disease.

Minor Cuts And Grazes

Wash the wound thoroughly with water.  To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about 5 minutes.  Cover with a clean dry dressing.

Mumps

Symptoms are swelling of the glands in front of one or other ear often followed, after a couple of days, by swelling in front of the other ear.  It is infectious from two or three days before the swelling appears until eight or ten days after that date.  If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor

Immunisation can prevent this disease.

Nosebleeds

Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch the whole of the soft part of your nose just below the bone firmly for approximately 20 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped.  If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Sprains

Firstly apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling.  Apply, firmly, a crepe bandage and give the sprain plenty of rest until all discomfort has subsided.  Further strain will inevitably lead to further swelling and a longer recovery period.

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.

Sunburn

Treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat.  Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation whilst Paracetamol will also help.

Children under 12 years should not take Aspirin.

Children are particularly susceptible to sunburn and great care should be taken to avoid over-exposure to the harmful effects of the sun.  Use at least factor 25 or total sun block creams and avoid sunbathing during the sun's strongest period i.e. 11.00 am to 3.00 pm.