Self Treatment

A high temperature occurs commonly even with mild infections. In small children it is important
to stop the temperature from rising too quickly and they should be given paracetamol syrup, which may be bought from the chemist. If they still appear hot, they should be sponged all over with tepid (not cold) water to cool them.

If after the above treatment, your child still appears to be unwell, you should consult your doctor. A child or an adult with a temperature will not come to any harm being brought into the surgery.

Usual symptoms are a runny nose, cough, temperature & aches & pains. Viruses cause them and antibiotics are of no help in treating them. Regular paracetamol at the recommended dose will help the temperature and aches & pains and its a good idea to drink plenty of fluids. The temperature usually settles within a few days and the other symptoms then gradually subside.

This results from an infection of the stomach/bowel. The condition usually gets better on its own within 1 or 2 days. Treatment consists of replacing lost fluids with frequent small drinks of water or other non-milk containing liquids. If there is severe pain or blood with the diarrhoea contact the doctor.

Head lice may affect anyone and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Treat all confirmed infections with insecticidal liquid or lotion. Shampoo, Conditioner or Combing when wet are equally effective.

On the first day a small rash appears with small red spots which develops small blisters in the centre within a few hours. During the next 3-4 days further spots will appear and the earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off. Calamine lotion may be applied to help the itching.

The most infectious period is 2-3 days before the rash appears and until the last spots have formed dry centres, usually 7-10 days after the rash started. Children may return to school as soon as the last crusts have fallen off.

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

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.

Encouraging the patient to shift position as often as possible and taking care in smoothening the creases in the bottom sheet can prevent them. Keep your eyes open for the red marks appearing at the pressure points such as heels, elbows , buttocks and hips. If they do appear, inform the doctor before it gets worse.

Gastroenteritis describes a group of diseases affecting the stomach or a 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.

Large quantities of water, orange juice, milk or thin soup should be taken to counter effects of dehydration. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist for more than 1 day, or 6 hours in case of babies and young children.