Page 10 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

8 HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

How to use this book

Home Doctor is divided into three main sections. The first, Common Conditions, is the core of the book,
providing detailed advice on home treatment for a wide range of everyday disorders and complaints. The
second section, First Aid, describes basic first-aid treatment for minor and more serious emergencies; and
the final A–Z of Drug and Natural Remedies supplies further information on remedies suggested in articles.

Common Conditions
is divided into general symptoms; Warning alerts you
infectious diseases; groups to symptoms that need
immediate medical help
of disorders such as eye and
ear problems; and problems See your doctor first
tells you if you need to
specific to men, women, children, see a doctor before you
and babies. begin home treatment
Summary of the symptoms Practical technique
of an illness and whom it affects or tips tells you how to
helps you identify the problem perform home treatments
Drug remedies that
have been suggested
in the main article are
described here
Natural remedies that
have been suggested
in the main article are
described here
What you can do Prevention suggests
yourself advises on ways to help prevent
treatment. Icons the illness or recurrences
direct you to Drug
remedies, Natural Seek further medical
remedies, and advice tells you if you
Practical technique need to see a doctor
and tips boxes following home treatment
First Aid provides basic first-aid advice for minor A–Z of Drug and Natural
mishaps and injuries, and step-by-step techniques Remedies gives information, such as
to help you deal with serious injuries and emergencies. brand names, side effects, and precautions,
for the treatments suggested in articles
and general advice on using them safely.

Warning A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES 177
alerts you to Acetaminophen going to bed. It will not wash off the next day, even
Common brands if you bathe or shower. One application may prevent
sweating for up to 3 days, or longer.
when you FOR ADULTS ● Tylenol ● Aspirin-Free Anacin ● Bayer Side effects Possible skin irritation. Stop
Select Maximum Strength Headache Pain Formula
FOR CHILDREN ● Infants’ Tylenol Concentrated Drops using if this occurs.
need to (2–3 years) ● Children’s Tylenol Suspension Liquid Precautions Don’t use on irritated or broken
skin, or near the eyes. Don’t use after shaving or
(2–11 years) ● Junior Strength Tylenol Chewable
Tablets (6–12 years) using depilatories. Drug remedy
call 911 Widely used analgesic for toothache, headache, Antacids
earache, muscle pains, and to reduce fever. Suitable
for people with stomach problems since less irritating Common brands
than aspirin; also during breast-feeding because traces MIXTURES OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS: ● Maalox Quick
in breast milk are too small to harm a baby. Dissolve Chewable (calcium carbonate) ● Mylanta
Antacid Gelcaps (calcium carbonate, magnesium
Method of use Available as regular, hydroxide) ● Rolaids Antacid Tablets (calcium
soluble, or chewable tablets; or liquid medicine.
Summary When treating a child, be careful to choose the carbonate, magnesium hydroxide)
WITH SIMETHICONE: ● Gas-X Extra Strength (calcium
correct product for the child’s age (see COMMON carbonate, simethicone) ● Maalox Liquid
BRANDS, above).
of the injury Side effects Usually none. Antacid/Antigas (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium
hydroxide, simethicone) ● Mylanta Antacid Anti-Gas
Precautions Don’t give to babies under Liquid (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide,
or emergency 2 years, except on a doctor’s advice. simethicone) ● Riopan Plus (magaldrate,
WARNING
simethicone)
Don’t take with other drugs containing analgesics, Relieve indigestion or heartburn by neutralizing
helps you such as cold remedies, due to risk of overdose. In stomach acid. Contain compounds such as aluminum Natural remedy
case of possible overdose, seek immediate medical
attention, even if you feel no ill effects. There is risk hydroxide, calcium carbonate, or magnesium
hydroxide, or combinations of these. Some also
decide how of delayed, serious liver damage. Do not drink alcohol contain simethicone to absorb excess stomach gas.
while taking acetaminophen.
Method of use Available as hard or chewy
tablets, carbonated drinks, or soothing liquids. Method
Aloe vera
to act The aloe plant (Aloe vera) is a centuries-old remedy of use varies; follow instructions on package.
for skin conditions such as sunburn and psoriasis. Side effects Usually none.
May help relieve pain and swelling and speed healing. Precautions Antacids can interfere with Each entry
Method of use Available in skin creams, absorption of some drugs; check with a doctor
or pharmacist before use if already taking other
gels, and ointments. Apply as needed. medicines. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, opposite page.
Side effects Usually none. includes brand
Precautions None. Antidandruff shampoos
Aluminum chloride Common brands names, uses,
● Neutrogena T/Gel (coal tar) ● Nizoral Shampoo
Common brand (ketoconazole) ● Polytar AF (coal tar, pyrithione zinc)
● Certain Dri ● Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) ● Sebulex (sulfur,
Controls excessive sweating by blocking sweat salicylic acid) method of use,
ducts; use when other methods do not help. Selenium sulfide and pyrithione zinc shampoos
Method of use Available as roll-on reduce overgrowth of a type of fungus living on the
applicator. Apply sparingly to clean, dry skin before scalp, a common cause of dandruff. Ketoconazole, an side effects, and
Practical technique gives step-by-step precautions
instructions for emergency treatment