Management of Common Ailments

Many conditions get better on their own and can be treated successfully at home. Your pharmacist may be able to help you with these and advise about medicines you can buy over the counter. Some examples of these are treatments for hay fever, vaginal thrush and mild eczema.

It is useful to have a few medicines at home which can be quickly available should the need arise. The following list are examples which should be kept: ibuprofen, paracetamol, paracetamol syrup for children, indigestion remedies, antihistamine such as Piriton or Clarytin.

Back Pain
This is a very common condition which is often caused by incorrect lifting and sitting. The majority of back pain settles within a few days.

Pain killers such as ibuprofen will relieve the pain and reduce inflammation in the back muscles. If the pain persists for more that a few days a doctor's advice should be sought.

Burns
As soon as possible after the burn, cold water should be run over the area for at least ten minutes.

If the skin in unbroken little more need be done, but if there is blistering on the skin larger than a fifty pence piece medical advice should be sought.

Coughs, Colds & Sore Throats
There is no cure for the common cold.  Simple measures such as plenty to drink, nose drops if necessary and paracetamol or aspirin to bring down the temperature, are all that can be done.  Antibiotics do not help.

Two-thirds of sore throats are also caused by viruses and require nothing more that soluble aspirin gargles in adults and paracetamol for children.

Sprains
A cold, preferably iced, compress should be applied as soon as possible for ten minutes to the affected part with the skin protected by a tea towel.  A bandage should be applied and the affected area should be rested and raised. Ibuprofen is very good for pain and inflammation, started 24 hours after the injury. Remember I.C.E. - Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting
These are usually caused by viruses and settle down over twenty-four to forty-eight hours. In adults, fluid intake should be maintained by drinking small amounts regularly.  Food as well as tea, coffee and milk should be stopped for at least twenty-four hours.  If the diarrhoea alone is a problem, medication such as loperamide can be bought from a chemist.

In children and babies it is VERY IMPORTANT to maintain a good fluid input. Milk and solids should be stopped for twenty-four hours and reintroduced when the diarrhoea stops.  If the vomiting or diarrhoea is profuse or prolonged (over 24 hours) call the surgery.

Nose Bleeds
A cold compress should be applied to the bridge of the nose and this should be left there for about ten minutes. The nose should not be blown for the next 24 to 48 hours. If the problem continues medical advice should be sought.

Accidents and Injuries
The Accident and Emergency Department at the Kent and Sussex Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, is open 24 hours a day for all major accidents.  There is also a minor injuries clinic at Sevenoaks Hospital open daily between 9am and 5pm.

Head Lice
These show up as as small black dots on the base of the hair and can be treated with a lotion bought from the chemist.

Careful combing with a fine toothed comb will also remove the eggs.

Insect bites
Some people react strongly to bites and the bite becomes large and very itchy. In this case antihistamines such as Piriton or Clarytin or 1% Hydrocortisone Cream, which can be bought from the chemist, can be tried. If symptoms persist medical advice  should be sought.

Sunburn
It is important to avoid this in young children as it may cause problems in later life.

If affected, a cold bath, pain killers and soothing lotions should help.  If blistering occurs it may be advisable to see the practice nurse.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella
These can all be avoided by vaccinations.

NHS Direct
Further advice on common ailments can be obtained from NHS Direct