A selection of suitable products can be purchased from the surgery.  Armed with these, minor illnesses and pains can be treated at home without having to consult the doctor.

Sore throats, coughs, colds and 'flu

These are usually caused by viruses and since antibiotics only work for bacterial infections they have no beneficial effect.  Paracetamol will help to relieve the pain and help to bring down any temperature.  With adults, gargling and then swallowing soluble Aspirin dissolved in water may be useful for sore throats.  If your sore throat persists for more than four to five days, or your cough for more than two weeks, or if you are coughing up blood stained or coloured sputum throughout the day, you should consult your doctor.

Childhood rashes

If your child is basically well but has a rash, this is usually due to a virus (there are many varieties), and will settle with no treatment in a few days.  We Would want to see a child if he or she is ill with the rash.  With vaccination, measles is now very rate and only chickenpox produces a typical rash which is easily recognises.  German measles (Rubella) can be mimicked by several other viruses.  Almost all complaints clear up without treatment.

Burns

For minor burns and scalds, apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and for anything up to fifteen minutes.  If the skin is unbroken, but blistered, apply a loose dry dressing.  Paracetamol may help the pain.  Sunburn should be avoided at all times by wearing loose cotton clothes, sun hats and high protection sun screens.  It may be soothed by Calamine Lotion as well as Paracetamol.

Back Pain

This is usually due to a ligament, muscle or disc problem, often following heavy lifting or a sudden movement.  Pain killers such as Paracetamol or Nurofen with gentle mobilisation and good posture will be all that is require by most people.  See your doctor if your pain persists after a few days.  If you pain is associated with urinary symptoms or loss of power in your legs, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting

This usually settles in one or two days and may be associated with mild cramp like, griping abdominal pains.  Avoid all food for 24 hours, but take plenty of fluids (frequent small amounts) to avoid dehydration.  Paracetamol may help to ease any pain.  Keep off dairy products and spicy/fatty foods when you start eating again.

See the doctor if you pass or vomit blood, if you have recently returned from abroad, if you symptoms are associated with a headache, or if the person is under six moth old.

Childhood temperatures

Children develop a temperature in response to an infection, but usually get better within two days without the use of antibiotics.  To bring you child's temperature down which will in turn make him/her feel better, you should:

1. Give Paracetamol every 4-6 hours as necessary

2. Dress the child in cool clothes, such as pants and a vest or shorts and T-shirt

3. Give them plenty of coo drinks to prevent dehydration

4. Sponge them down (especially the head) with luke warm, not cold, water.

If they still appear to be particularly ill after these measures or the temperature persists for more than 48 hours then consult the doctor.  A high temperature is not, in itself dangerous (though some children may 'fit' if it is not brought down by the measures prescribed above).  However, it is more important to watch the child' general condition for signs of increasing pain, breathlessness, loss of consciousness, vomiting or refusal of drinks.  any of which may be a warning of a developing serious disease like pneumonia or meningitis.

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