DOCTORS DIRECTIONS

ANTIBIOTICS

First a note on these commonly prescribed and powerful medicines. They only work on bacteria and are without effect on viruses. Unfortunately, this means that the common infections like coughs, colds and flu etc, will not be helped by them at all. The correct treatments are the remedies outlined below, so we only use antibiotics when there is a secondary bacterial infection. Overuse of antibiotics may lead to their not working in the future and more complications like thrush, skin rashes etc.

 

BACK PAIN
Back pain causes 13 million working days to be lost in Britain each year. The spine is made up of 24 fragile bones and, along with associated cartilage and tendons, supports the whole weight of the upper body. 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 for more than a few days. If, as is usual, the pain is caused by abuse i.e. by 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 may prescribe stronger drugs or gentle exercise. Back pain can usually be avoided by adopting the correct posture to lift, taking regular exercise and by losing weight.


BURNS AND SCALDS
1.   IMMEDIATELY drench with COLD water - do not waste time removing clothes.
2.   Keep cooling the burned part until it is comfortable; this may take 1 5 minutes or longer if clothing is thick.
3.   If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose, dry dressing.
4.   Take paracetamol for the pain.
5.   If the burn is larger than four or five inches in diameter, or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor.

6.   Severe burns need specialist advice therefore you should take the patient to the casualty department at the local hospital as soon as possible.


COLDS AND FLU
There is no cure for the common cold or flu. Antibiotics are of no value.

If you have a cold, drink plenty of fluids and take aspirin (over 1 6 years of age) or paracetamol if you have a headache, are aching or are running a temperature, but remember NOT on an empty stomach. Products to relieve the symptoms of your cold and flu, such as decongestants etc often cost less than prescription charges and are available from the chemist. You should be on the mend after seven to ten days by two weeks; if you are getting worse instead of better by then you will need to be seen. Flu vaccine is available October to December for ‘at risk’ groups.

 

CHICKEN POX

On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4mm across. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of the patches. During the next three or four days, further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn ‘crusty’ and fall off. Simple treatment is usually oil that is required. Itching can be soothed by calamine lotion or, if it is severe, antihistamines like Phenergan or Piriton (which are available at the chemist) may help to soothe the skin but will not get rid of the condition any quicker.

 

CHILDHOOD RASHES
Most pink blotchy rashes are due to viral infections and are of little importance unless the child appears ill. If the child is obviously unwell and has a rash they should be brought to the surgery.

 

Click here for incubation and infection times.

 

GERMAN MEASLES
The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2-4mm across and does not itch. No other symptoms are usually present apart from occasional aching joints. 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 (less than 1 6 weeks since their last period) can contact their doctor if they have not been immunised. 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. Treatment for the whole family is simple, with medicated head lotion which can be obtained from the chemist without prescription.


INSECT BITES AND STINGS

Cool the bitten part as soon as possible (with ice if you can) to reduce the inflammation and repeat this as often as you wish. Bee stings should be scraped away rather than plucked in order to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound. Antihistamine tablets are available from chemists cheaply without prescription and will relieve itching and local swelling. Take them regularly for two or three days, observing the chemist’s instructions for their use.


MINOR CUTS AND GRAZES
Dirt often enters a cut or graze and it should be cleaned with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. To stop the bleeding, apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about five minutes. Leave grazes uncovered and keep them dry. Cover cuts with a clean dry dressing or plaster. If the cut is deep and the edges cannot be pulled together with a dressing it may need stitches, in which case contact the doctor or, if severe, attend the casualty department at the hospital.

 

MEASLES
The rash is blotchy and red and covers the face and much of the body. It is usually slightly raised but there are no blisters and it does not itch. The eyes are usually bloodshot, the child usually has a temperature and is miserable; the rash appears on the fourth day of illness. Ear and chest infections are common complications. If a child improves and then develops a fever they should be seen by a doctor.
Immunisation can prevent this disease.


NOSEBLEEDS
Sit in a chair, leaning forward with your mouth open, and pinch your nose just below the bone for 15 minutes non stop. This should stop the bleeding. Do not blow the nose. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.


RASHES
Rashes NOT related to illness, or appearing within a few days of taking medicines (prescribed or not), are unlikely to be important. If the rash follows taking a course of medicine you should stop it at once and contact the surgery for advice. If it is very itchy it is likely to be due to an allergy. Antihistamines (available without prescription from your pharmacist) may make you feel more comfortable.


SICKNESS AND DIARRHOEA

Sickness and diarrhoea is commonly due to viruses and so antibiotics have no part in the treatment of this condition. The condition usually settles in one to three days and we recommend avoiding all food for 24 hours, giving plenty of clear fluids frequently and in small amounts. Avoid milk, dairy produce and fatty/spicy foods when you start eating again. Instead try dry bread, toast, thin soups, potato, chicken etc. Diarrhoea in very young children and babies needs careful attention. Most babies have loose bowel actions during their first six months, due to their predominantly liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusually watery diarrhoea should be treated by taking the baby off solids and feeding it cooled boiled water only. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or are accompanied by vomiting or weakness, consult your doctor.

 

SORE THROATS
Most are caused by viral infections which do not respond to antibiotics. With simple treatment the patient normally gets better in seven to ten days. You should suck soothing throat pastilles and take frequent drinks. Rest your voice and avoid smoke. If over 1 6 years of age gargle with soluble aspirin or paracetamol. Most sore throats will settle with this treatment. If the symptoms persist you may need an appointment with your doctor.

 

SPRAINS
Firstly apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 1 5 to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling. Apply a crepe bandage firmly 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. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol may help.

 

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 teaspoonful 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 or after-sun lotion will relieve the irritation, whilst paracetamol will also help. Babies and children are particularly susceptible to sunburn and great care should be taken to avoid overexposure to the harmful effects of the sun. Particular care should be taken when holidaying abroad, but it is also possible to become quite badly sunburned in your own back garden. Sunburn can be prevented by the use of protective sun lotions, available from chemists. Remember to wear a hat in the sun, particularly for young children

 

THREADWORMS
These look like pieces of white cotton threads in motions. They are not important and rarely cause problems but some children may complain of an itchy bottom. The best treatment to avoid infecting other members of the family is by very careful hand washing after using the lavatory, and keeping fingernails short and well scrubbed; this will also avoid the risk of re-infection. Further treatment involves the whole family taking medicine, available from the chemist, to kill the worms and purge the bowel (this often causes diarrhoea in those who may have no problems from the worms). The best advice is to pay careful attention to hygiene at all times and only treat with medicine if the worms actually cause symptoms. Most cases will clear up in seven to fourteen days with careful hygiene only.

 

TOOTHACHE

If you have toothache you should consult your dentist. Doctors are not trained in the management of dental problems. You should ask your dentist how to contact him in an emergency. If you have any problems after you have had dental treatment you should contact your dentist who will be able to give you expert advice and treatment. If, when he has seen you, he thinks you have a medical problem, he will advise you to see a doctor.