Many common aches and pains can be treated simply at home without the need to consult a doctor.

Back Pain
Back pain causes 13 million lost working days in Britain each year. Usually too much or inappropriate lifting or gardening is the cause. Be sensible and take things easy; prevention is better than cure. Rest and painkillers will relieve most cases within a few days. Your doctor will not mind if you approach a qualified physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath directly.

Burns And Scalds
Apply large quantities of cold water to the burn as soon as possible and maintain this for several minutes. A loose dressing is suitable for unbroken or mildly blistered skin. Larger burns and burns in children should be seen by a nurse or doctor.

Coughs, Colds And Sore Throats
No magic cure has been found for these common ailments. (Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics.) Aspirin or paracetamol, soothing drinks and other remedies help relieve the symptoms until they pass naturally in a few days or so.

Diarrhoea And Vomiting
Normally caused by viruses. Even holiday diarrhoea can be treated with small amounts of clear fluids (not milk) taken frequently to rest the stomach and prevent dehydration. In children, mixtures of glucose and salts (Rehidrat/Dioralyte) can be used. If the patient appears very ill, or in babies (who can become dehydrated more quickly), consult the doctor if symptoms persist.

Earache
Usually earache accompanies coughs and colds. Paracetamol will relieve the pain. If symptoms persist, or a child is involved, consult the doctor at the next surgery session.

Head Lice
Very common in children, head lice prefer clean hair and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Lotions are available from the chemist for all the family.

Threadworms
All children will get these at some stage. An itching bottom, especially at night, is the most common complaint. Threadworms resemble small pieces of white cotton. Your chemist can advise you about treatment, again for all of the family.

Head Injuries/Concussion
Most bumps on the head cause no damage. A slight headache can be helped with paracetamol. If the patient is knocked out for more than a few seconds, consult your doctor. He may advise that the patient is taken to hospital if a more serious injury is suspected even though the patient can at first appear well.

Spots
Most childhood spotty illnesses are minor and often cause little upset. Measles is more serious, but is rare now that all children are immunised. Your doctor will not mind you attending the surgery with a spotty child to confirm diagnosis. All of these illnesses are contagious before the spots appear.

Insect Bites/Stings
Antihistamine tablets from the chemist relieve itches as can calamine lotion. Antihistamine creams are not recommended.

Nosebleeds
Pinch the nose between thumb and forefinger gently for five to ten minutes below the nasal bone. Persistent bleeding or a clot of blood down the throat may need further medical intervention. If heavy bleeding continues for more than 20 minutes you should go to A & E.

Sprains
Remember the mnemonic R.I.C.E. - Rest, ice, compression, elevation. A cold compress with ice (a bag of frozen peas) applied over the strain for 30 minutes reduces and prevents swelling. A crepe bandage can be used and elevation continued until all swelling subsides. Gradual resumption of movements and exercise over a few days is recommended.

Sunburn
Treat as other burns. Calamine lotion and paracetamol will help. Avoidance, especially in children, is most important. High factor sunblock and hats etc are advisable in all but the mildest of exposure to the harmful effects of the sun.