Open toolbar Coronavirus (COVID-19) Get information about Coronavirus on NHS.UK Self Treatment If you suspect a stroke act FAST What is FAST? Facial weakness – can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped? Arm weakness – can the person raise both arms? Speech problems – can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Time to call 999 www.stroke.org.uk Back Pain Most people will have low back pain at some time in their lives, and the vast majority will recover with little or no treatment within six weeks. Usually arising from the discs, joints of the spine, muscles or ligaments, the pain is described as ‘mechanical’. This type of pain is commonest between the ages of Read More » Burns Treating minor burns To treat superficial (minor) burns at home, follow the advice below. Cool the skin with running cool or tepid water for at least 10 minutes, ideally within 20 minutes of the injury happening. This will prevent the burn getting worse. Do not use ice, iced water, creams, or greasy substances (such as Read More » Chickenpox Chickenpox blisters are usually less than a quarter of an inch wide, have a reddish base, and appear in bouts over 2 to 4 days. The rash may be more extensive or severe in kids who have skin disorders such as eczema. Some children have: a fever abdominal pain sore throat headache or a vague Read More » Colds and Stomach Aches Colds Even in this day and age there is still no magic cure for the common cold. Go to bed, take plenty of drinks. It is probably best to stay at home to avoid spreading your cold to others. Take it easy and rest if possible. Keep warm, and keep the atmosphere moist. Drink plenty Read More » Diarrhoea and Vomiting Children Many babies have diarrhoea and vomiting 3 times a year. Most vomiting gets better within 3 days and diarrhoea within a week, but 2 weeks is possible. Medication is rarely of any benefit. Give small amount of fluids often, even to a child who is vomiting. Avoid fruit juices and carbonated drinks. In severe Read More » Fever in Children It is worthwhile purchasing a digital electronic thermometer, which is best placed in the child’s armpit to record the temperature — forehead thermometers are less accurate. The infra-red type that measures the temperature of the ear drum is the most reliable. Significant fever is defined as a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more. Most Read More » Insect Bites and Stings If you are stung by a wasp, bee, hornet, etc, then scrape out the sting as quickly as possible. Do not pluck it out as this may squeeze more venom into the skin. In most cases the sting causes pain and slight swelling, but has little other effect. Some people are allergic to stings and Read More » Items for Your Medicine Cabinet Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin) Mild laxatives Anti-diarrhoeal medicines Rehydration mixture Indigestion remedy (e.g. antacids) Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher Sunburn treatment (e.g. calamine) Tweezers and sharp scissors A thermometer A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings Please Remember: Keep the medicine Read More » Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Measles The symptoms of measles usually begin to develop about 7-11 days after the person first becomes infected. The first symptoms are normally similar to those of a bad cold: fever runny nose sore throat a cough A few days later a bright red, blotchy rash breaks out on the forehead, face and neck. Within Read More » Minor Cuts, Grazes and Sprains Minor Cuts and Grazes Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about five minutes. Cover with a clean, dry dressing. Sprains Firstly apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15 to 30 minutes. A bag of Read More » Nose Bleeds If you are having a nosebleed you should: sit down and firmly pinch the soft part of your nasal cavity, just above your nostrils, together for 10 minutes lean forward and breathe through your mouth leaning forward drains the blood down your nose instead of down the back of your throat maintain the pressure on Read More » Accessibility Statement Contact Us Disclaimer GDPR Site Admin Useful Links