Back Pain
The best answer is of course prevention – learn to sit, bend and lift correctly and keep generally fit.  Most backache is caused by muscular strain.  Rest the back as much as possible by lying flat or sitting upright with a support for the small of your back.  Paracetamol or Nurofen may be helpful.  If the pain is very severe or persists for more than a few days see your doctor.

Burns
Apply cold water to the affected area immediately and apply a clean dry dressing.  If the burn is severe or widespread seek medical help as soon as possible.

Colds and Flu
Colds and flu are of course very common at all ages and are caused by viruses; they usually start with a watery runny nose, dry throat, high temperature, aches and pains which often last 4-5 days before beginning to improve.  Rest, plenty of drinks, warm bathing and regular Paracetamol (Calpol, Panadol) will help control the symptoms. Steam inhalations and simple cough medicines (honey, glycerine and lemon) will relieve nasal congestion, catarrh, and chesty cough which often come on 2-3 days from the start of the cold, and can last a week or more after the high temperature has settled, particularly in smoking households.

Constipation
This is a common condition and often reflects poor intake of fibre and fluids.  If it occurs, increasing these in your diet, i.e. fruit, vegetables and bran, will help.  If symptoms persist, especially if any weight loss, blood or mucous in stools is evident, then contact your doctor.

Cystitis
This can present with burning and frequency of urination.  It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids and some treatment from the chemists can help alter the acidity of your urine, which relieves symptoms.  Should your symptoms not settle easily you will need to see your doctor; be sure to bring a specimen of your urine with you so he can test it to see if you are going to need any antibiotic treatment or not.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting
Diarrhoea and vomiting can come on very suddenly and severely with associated fever and tummy cramps but usually begins to settle within 24-36 hours.  The only effective treatment is plenty of clear fluids, ideally electrolyte solutions (Dioralyte-rehydration) from the chemist.  In small children and babies you may need to telephone for advice if the symptoms persist.

Fever
A high temperature is the body’s natural response to infection.  It makes the patient feel hot and cold and shivery.  They feel unwell and may have a headache or vomit.  Ways to reduce a high temperature include keeping the room cool and keeping clothing and bedding to a minimum, drinking plenty of cool fluids, taking regular Paracetamol which lowers the temperature, and bathing in water slightly below normal temperature but not luke warm.  This is like concentrated sweating and helps to take the heat away from the body.

Head Lice and Worms
Both these problems are easily dealt with by treatment available from the chemist.  Head lice prefer clean hair and are not a sign of poor hygiene.

Indigestion and Heart Burn
These symptoms are usually not serious and can be easily settled in the case of indigestion with antacids which can be obtained over the counter.  If the pain is not settling easily you should see your doctor.

Insect Bites and Stings
Wasps  -  apply vinegar to neutralise the sting as soon as possible.
Bees  -  scrape away the sting and apply a little bicarbonate of soda solution as soon as possible.

For insect bites in general, keep some anti-histamine tablets in the house to use when necessary, or Calamine to relieve the irritation. If you get severe swelling as a reaction to the insect bite, you ought to seek medical help.

Minor Cuts and Grazes
Wash the wound thoroughly.  To stop bleeding apply firm pressure to the wound for five minutes with a clean handkerchief or dressing.  Make sure that your tetanus booster is up to date – that you have had one within the last ten years.

Nappy Rash
Simple redness of the nappy area can be due to ammonia accumulating in the nappy and can be dealt with by a good barrier cream, such as Sudocrem, and leaving the area exposed as often as you are able to. If the area also seems to be a little spotty, or red in the skin creases, this might be due to thrush and you should see your doctor to get hold of anti-thrush treatment such as Canesten.

Nose Bleeds
Sit on a chair bending forward, slightly with your head over a bowl and squeeze the nose firmly below the bone for ten minutes whilst breathing through your mouth. Avoid the temptation to blow the nose or sneeze if possible. If symptoms do not settle, or if they recur, consult your doctor.

Rashes
Fine pinhead type rashes often accompany viral infections such as sore throats and colds.  Chickenpox is usually a bigger spot with a central water blister.  Measles and German Measles are rarely seen now following the vaccination programme with MMR.  There is little to be done for these rashes except to follow the advice given for  “colds and flu” above.  The general condition of the patient is the most important factor therefore if feeling very poorly with rash then inform the doctor.

Sore Throats
Almost always caused by viruses with fever, headache and swollen glands commonly also present; lubricate and soothe the throat with hot and cold drinks, honey or yoghurt with regular Paracetamol for pain relief and temperature. Adults (over 12) will often benefit from gargling with soluble Aspirin.

Sprains
First apply an ice cold compress to reduce the swelling.  Rest the area and apply a firm crepe bandage until all discomfort has subsided.

Sunburn
Avoid exposure to strong sun and always use a good sunscreen with a high protection factor, especially for children.  If sunburn has occurred then cool the skin with water, apply Calamine lotion, and painkillers such as Paracetamol may help. 

Thrush
This is an infection of women “down below”.  It presents with white discharge, redness and itching.  Suitable treatments are available over the counter.  Plain yoghurt can be applied to the inflamed area as emergency treatment!

Toothache
It is always wisest if you have got toothache to contact your dentist rather than your doctor.  Simple painkillers such as Paracetamol or Nurofen can be very effective in relieving discomfort.  There is always an emergency dentist available over the 24 hour period.

Verrucae and Warts
These are caused by viruses for which there is no cure.  The majority will disappear over the first year without any treatment.  If causing a lot of problems you can get wart paints or creams over the counter from the chemist, or if this fails you may discuss the problem with your doctor.

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