Self-Care
The family medicine cabinet
All medicines should be kept in a locked cupboard out of reach of children. Medicines should be checked periodically to see that they haven't gone out of date. Left over medicines may lose their effect and should not be kept 'just in case'.
Adhesive dressings
- for minor cuts
Antiseptic solution
- for cleanibg cuts and grazes
Aspirin or paracetamol tablets
- useful for headaches,colds, sore throats and painful bruises.
Calamine lotion
- for treating insects bites and stings, and sunburn
Cotton wool
- for cleanibg cuts and grazes
Menthol crystals
- for mixture with hot water to make steam inhalations for treating dry or painful coughs and catarrh.
Paracetamol mixture
- relief of fever or pain in children.
Rehydration sachets
- useful for treating diarrhoea in small children.
Sedative cough mixture
- for painful or dry coughs, but not for coughs caused by colds.
Thermometer
- for taking temperature.
Vapour rub
- for steam inhalations and rubbing on chest and nose for stuffy noses and dry coughs.
Wide crepe bandage
- to support bruised or sprained joints