Keeping a well stocked first aid kit and medicine box can help you to deal with a many minor ailments which can affect both you and your family.
Essentials for your first aid kit
- 2 sterile eye pads
- 1 crepe bandage
- 4 triangular bandages
- 6 medium sterile dressing pads
- Assorted waterproof plasters
- 2 pairs of sterile gloves
- 1 pair of tough cut scissors
- 6 alcohol-free wipes
- 6 safety pins
- medical tape
Even the most minor of illnesses can disrupt your life and leave you feeling down. Keeping a well stocked and relevant medicine box/cupboard can help you to treat minor illnesses such as colds, headaches and diarrhoea.
Medicine box essentials
- Pain relief – such as aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen for relieving minor aches and pains. Please note that Aspirin must not be given to children under 16.
- Antihistamines – such as tablets and creams these can help with the symptoms of Hay Fever and to calm to itchiness during Chickenpox. Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about this as they may be able to advise you on a type which does not cause drowsiness.
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets – tablets such as Imodium, Arret and Diasorb can help to stop the unpleasant side effects of diarrhoea but do not tackle to route cause. Should your diarrhoea continue for more than 3 days please seek medical advice.
- Oral rehydration salts – fevers, diarrhoea and vomiting make us lose water and essential minerals which can lead to dehydration. Keep these at hand to help your body recover some of what it’s lost.
- Indigestion treatment – Antacids come as chewable tablets, tablets that dissolve in water or in a liquid form. These help to reduce stomach acidity and bring relief to the symptoms of heartburn.
- Sunscreen – always keep at least factor 15 sunscreen at hand to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful effects
Ask your pharmacist for help
Don’t forget that your local pharmacist can help with many minor ailments such as coughs and colds, asthma and eczema, hay fever and period pain. They can give advice or, where appropriate, medicines that can help to clear up the problem.
Instead of booking an appointment with your GP, you can see your local pharmacist any time: just walk in.