by Peggy Spencer, M.D.

You've just been to the doctor. Halfway home you realize you already forgot her instructions. "Oh no!" you cry, smacking your forehead. Now what?

Here's some general advice. Feel free to print it and keep it in your medicine box. (As with everything on this site, this is not meant as individual advice; contact your health-care provider for advice specific to your situation.)

1. HOW TO TREAT STITCHES

Leave them alone for 24 hours. Don't get them wet and don't remove the dressing. After 24 hours you can take off the bandage, wash the area gently with soap and water, and put on a new bandage. Antibiotic ointment will keep the wound soft and healing nicely.

2. HOW TO TREAT A CAST

Some new-fangled casts are waterproof, but unless you have one of these, keep it dry until it comes off. That means covering it with plastic in the shower or hanging it over the edge of the tub. (In fact, keeping it dry is a good idea for all casts, even the so-called waterproof ones, since most have cloth interiors and water can seep through the edges.)

• What to do if your cast gets wet: Dry it with a hair dryer set on low.
  
• What to do if your arm itches in the cast: Tap on the cast or blow into it with a cool hair dryer. Don't poke anything down under the cast to scratch! This could tear the skin.
• What to do if your cast starts to smell bad: This means it has gotten wet from sweat or water. Try drying it, but know that you might need a new cast to get rid of the smell.

3. HOW TO TREAT A SPRAIN OR STRAIN
after the doctor visit

Follow the RICE advice.

• Rest. For an ankle, that means stay off it! Plan to use crutches for at least a week.
• Ice. Ice the swollen area three times a day for 10 minutes.
• Compression. An elastic wrap around a swollen joint can help keep the swelling down. Don't overdo it and cut off your circulation.
• Elevation. Keep the swollen part above your heart as much as possible, or at least up on a chair.

4. HOW TO TREAT INFECTION (like strep throat)
after the doctor visit

As a general rule, you need to take antibiotics for 48 hours before you're no longer contagious. If you have strep throat, throw away your old toothbrush.

5. HOW TO TREAT PINK EYE (OR PINKEYE)
after the doctor visit

Throw away the eye makeup you were using. Thoroughly clean contacts or throw them away if they're disposable. Don't wear contacts or use makeup again until your infection is gone and you're finished with your course of medicine.

6. HOW TO TREAT VOMITING
after the doctor visit

Don't eat or drink anything for four hours after your last vomit. (You can wet your mouth with ice chips though.) After the four hours, start slowly with clear liquids.

7. HOW TO TREAT DIARRHEA
after the doctor visit

Stick with clear liquids until the diarrhea lets up. Then follow the BRAT diet: Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. (These foods are simply easy to digest.)

8. HOW TO TREAT A BURN
after the doctor visit

Although you shouldn't put ointment on a burn immediately because that keeps the heat in, once you see the doctor, if the burn has caused an open blister or wound, he or she might recommend antibiotic ointment. In that case, slather it with the ointment and keep it covered with a sterile dressing. Change it daily.

Please note: These are general guidelines. If your doctor told you something different, do what your doctor said!

PEGGY SPENCER, M.D., is a board-certified family doctor at the University of New Mexico Student Health and Counseling center and co-author of 50 Ways to Leave Your 40s.

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