| Forgot the doctor's advice after the visit? Here's what to do. |
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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.)
3. HOW TO TREAT A SPRAIN OR STRAIN Follow the RICE advice.
4. HOW TO TREAT INFECTION (like strep throat) 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) 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 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 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 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.
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