CUTS:

Bleeding can usually be stopped by applying pressure to the cut for 2 to 3 minutes. The cut can then be carefully inspected. If it has bled freely any germs will normally have been washed away by the blood.

Apply a plaster dressing firmly, bringing the edges of the cut together so that it knits quickly. Keep dry for 1 or 2 days. If the cut is deep and the edges cannot be brought together with a dressing consult the doctor or practice nurse. A tetanus injection may be needed.

GRAZES:

Dirt will often enter a graze caused by falling on a hard surface. It must be cleaned out carefully with an antiseptic solution. After cleaning leave the graze uncovered. Exposure to the air will cause a scab to form. This will gradually dry and fall off.

It is not a good idea to apply a dressing. This may stick to the graze or make it soggy and infected.

BRUISES:

Bruises are very common in children. They normally get better in 7 - 10 days. Parents sometimes worry that a bone may be broken. Children's bones are rubbery and rarely break, but if in doubt consult the doctor.

If a child gets up at once after a fall and moves about normally it is unlikely that a bone has been broken. However a child may be stiff the next day because bruising has occurred. Severe bruising can be treated by: Rest for 24 - 48 hours. In the case of a badly bruised leg, the limb should be raised. Lying in bed is the best way to do this. A cold compress may ease a bad bruise (a bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas, is particularly good). Bruises on the head may cause anxiety. If the patient was not KNOCKED OUT and can remember what happened it is unlikely that any serious injury has resulted. If the patient was knocked unconscious and cannot remember what happened, he or she should be taken to a hospital casualty department. If in doubt contact your doctor for advice.

INSECT BITES:

These are common in summer. They look like spots about one quarter of an inch across. They are very itchy and usually appear on exposed parts e.g. arms and legs. The itching can be relieved by calamine lotion or antihistamine creams available from chemists an some supermarkets.

BURNS, SCALDS and SUNBURN:

Minor burns and scalds cause redness of the skin. Immediate treatment by pouring cold water over the burn is often helpful. If the burn causes severe blistering or breaks the skin the doctor should be consulted.

Sunburn should if possible, be prevented by avoiding long exposure and covering exposed areas adequately with suitable suntan lotions. It may be treated by calamine lotion, with paracetamol to relieve the pain.

COUGHS:

A cough is the most common symptom presented to the doctor. If food or foreign bodies enter the air passage in the throat, coughing acts as a protector. In the same way during a cold it also prevents mucus from entering the air passages and causing infection. To suppress this reflex action with cough mixture may cause more harm than good.

The best treatment is steam inhalations. Removing the patients pillow at night may also help prevent mucus running into the air passages.

Sometimes coughing may be cause by infection of the lower air passages. If it is a dry cough, steam inhalations will help again, as will a sedative linctus which can be bought from a chemist.

See the Doctor if:

1. Coughing continues for more than a week or two after a common cold has cleared up.
2. Coughing produces yellow or green spit - this may mean that the lower air passages are infected.
3. Breathing is accompanied by a pain on the chest, or shortness of breathe.
4. Coughing produces blood.

How to treat vomiting and diarrhoea:

Vomiting and/or diarrhoea may be caused by a virus infection of the stomach, by eating too much or drinking too much. It usually stops within 24 hours. In some cases vomiting may be followed by diarrhoea. Some children vomit when they have a temperature which may be caused by tonsillitis or an ear infection.

Treatment: Eat nothing. Drink small quantities of liquid as frequently as possible ( 1 teaspoon of honey to half a pint of water or commercial products such as Dioralyte or Rehidrat used as per the manufacturers instructions ). Do not drink milk products. As the stomach settles take semi-solid foods such as dry biscuits, bread or breakfast cereals before gradually returning to a normal diet. Leave milk products out of the diet until fully recovered.

See the Doctor if:

1. Vomiting and/or diarrhoea is accompanied by continuous stomach pains.
2. Vomiting and/or diarrhoea lasts for more than 24 hours.
3. Diarrhoea occurs in an infant under 6 months.
4. A vomiting child has a temperature of more than 38 degrees C or 100 degrees F.

TEMPERATURES IN YOUNG CHILDREN:

Young children and babies find it difficult to control their body temperature. It is very common for their temperature to rise with childhood illnesses such as cough, colds and sometimes after immunisations.

With a high temperature children can seem more poorly than they really are and occasionally can have a febrile convulsion (a fit). It is important to try and prevent this happening.

DO NOT - Wrap them up

DO:-

Take all or most of their clothes off

Turn off all heating

Sponge them down with tepid water or put them in a cool bath and then do not dry them

If this has not worked give your child Paracetamol (Calpol or Disprol) syrup. The dose will be on the bottle label. After a first immunisation if a child is less than three months old they may be given a half 5ml teaspoon of Paracetamol.

If you are still concerned about your child please ask for advice from the surgery.