Symptom: Back pain will usually be caused by lifting and bending, so be sensible and take it easy. It is advisable to consult your doctor if back pain persists for moe than a few days. Take care to sit upright as possible on a chair with a support for the small of the back.
Remedy: Take paracetamol, which will relieve the pain and will help to relieve the inflammation. Your doctor may prescribe stronger drugs, heat treatment, gentle exercise or some kind of rub.
Symptom:
Remedy: Apply large quantities of cold water as soon as possible for at least 15 minutes. If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose, dry dressing. If the burn is larger than 4-5 cms in diameter, or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Symptom: On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4 cms across. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these blotches. During the next 3-4 days further patches will appear, and the earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off. The most infectious period is from one to two days before the rash appears and up to 6 days after this date. Children may return to school as soon as the last lesions have crusted. Nose bleeds and sore throats are quite common with chickenpox.
Remedy: Calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may also help.
Symptom:
Remedy: Wash the would thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry dressing.
Symptom:
Remedy: Unfortunately, there is still no cure for the common cold. It is advisable to go to bed, take plenty of drinks and if you have a headache or are feverish, take paracetamol. Do not take any antibiotics that you may have in the house as they will have no effect!
Symptom: Common symptoms include passing urine frequently, burning and stinging, pain in the back, passing blood and fever.
Remedy: Drink as much as possible and if symptoms do not subside consult your doctor.
Symptom: In adults, diarrhoea is usually caused by a virus infection and is therefore unable to be treated directly.
Remedy: The symptoms can usually be eased by traditionally keolin and morphine mixture or by medicine containing codeine.Do not eat for 24 hours but drink plenty of clear fluids (water preferably). If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, consult your doctor.
Symptom: The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2-4mm and doesn't itch. No other symptoms are usually present apart from the 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.
Remedy:
Symptom: The creatures, contrary to public belief, prefer clean hair and are therefore not a sign of poor personal hygiene.
Remedy: Medicated head lotion can be obtained from the chemist without prescription.
Symptom:
Remedy: Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription and will usually relieve most symptoms. If you can see it remove the sting gently. Reduce the swelling with cold compresses. Bee stings should be scraped away rather plucked in order to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound. Consult your doctor if swelling continues or it the sting is in the mouth or throat.
Symptom: 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 four days after that time.
Remedy:
Symptom: 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 2 to 3 days before the swelling appears until the swelling disappears. If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor
Remedy:
Symptom:
Remedy: Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch the soft part of you nose, just below the bone for approximately 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped. Try not to rub your nose or blow it for 12 hours. Avoid hot drinks or food for 24 hours. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Symptom:
Remedy: Apply a cold compress, for example, a packet of frozen peas, for 20 minutes to reduce the swelling. Bandage firmly, using a crepe bandage and keep supported for at least a week to prevent swelling. Give the sprain plenty of rest until all discomfort has subsided.
Symptom: Most attacks are not serious and are often caused by indigestion or wind.
Remedy: A hot water bottle will often relieve the symptoms and in the case of indegestion, a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a glass of water will help.If the pain lasts for longer than 8 hours or increases in intensity you should consult your doctor.
Symptom: Babies and small children should not be left out in the sun as they are particularly susceptible to sunburn.
Remedy: Treat sunburn by sponging the affected skin with lots of cold water and repeat frequently for the first 24 hours. Applying calamine lotion will relieve the irritation. Give paracetamol if the child is uncomfortable. Frequent drinks should be taken. Remember to be sensible when sunbathing and use a sunscreen cream, especially if abroad or your skin is sensitive.
Symptom: These are small white worms (their appearance is similar to white threads) which may be seen in the motion.
Remedy: The best treatment is to aviod re-infection and spreading to other family members. The whole family must be treated and attention must be given to changing and washing clothes daily. Hands must be washed immediately before meals and after each visit to the toilet. Medicine is available from your pharmacist who may also give advice.
Symptom: This is a common infection caused by a fungus and is characterised by a white, curdly vaginal discharge and irritation. There may be some soreness and swelling and it is common after a course of antibiotics and in diabetics.
Remedy: It can be treated easily, usually with a course of cream or pessaries.
Symptom: Diarrhoea, sickness and stomachache
Remedy: Treatment is similar to that of diarrhoea (previously mentioned) with fluid replacement to counter the effects of dehydration.
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