ALLERGY

• Problem=reaction of the body to environmental, food, medicinal irritants.
• Symptoms=congestion, itchy/runny nose, itchy/tearing eyes, violent sneezing, headaches, rashes, wheezing
• Treatment=over-the-counter allergy medication may help relieve symptoms

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF symptoms become severe or if self-medication provides no relief
• Prevention=avoid the irritant, bathe/wash hair daily, use hypoallergenic pillows, dust often, use air conditioner & clean filter often, carry a medical ID card listing major allergies

• Treatment=wash w/ soap & water immediately, cover w/ bandage

SEEK MEDICAL CARE ASAP tetanus booster may be required
• Prevention=do not approach strange animals, do not provoke animals

BEE STING(SEE INSECT STING/BITE)

BLADDER (SEE URINARY TRACT)

BLISTERS, ORAL

• Problem=canker sores, ulcers inside the mouth, are not true blisters
• Symptoms=may begin with itching and burning and become painful, raw ulcers, heals gradually in 1-3 weeks
• Treatment=avoid very acidic foods, may apply moistened teabag to the site for pain relief, can try over the counter mouth numbing agents (ask pharmacist)
• Prevention=avoid injury to the mouth

• Problem=the blisters are caused by the herpes virus and are contagious
• Symptoms=fever blister/cold sore on lips or nose, may start with itching or tingling, reddish elevated lesion which becomes depressed in the center and evolves into a pustule
• Treatment=avoid touching lesions to prevent spreading virus to eyes, genitals, etc., wash hands thoroughly if lesions are touched, health care provider may prescribe medicine to speed healing, can try over the counter numbing agents (ask pharmacist)
• Prevention=avoid overexposure to the sun, use sunscreen, avoid direct contact with someone who has lesions, wash hands if lesions are touched, avoid oral genital contact with anyone who has herpes (genital herpes can be contracted from a cold sore)

• Problem=may arise after repeated pressure or rubbing on an area such as heel, toe or finger
• Symptoms=elevated lesion containing fluid, tenderness at site
• Treatment=apply antibacterial ointment (Neosporin), cover with bandage and prevent repeated rubbing at sit

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF infection appears (redness around site, drainage containing pus)
• Prevention=wear properly fitting shoes and socks, wear gloves when using hand tools

• Symptoms=productive cough and thick, greenish yellow mucus, chest pain with cough, may have wheezing and slight difficulty breathing with activity, may have fever
• Treatment=increase fluids, increase humidity with vaporizer or steamy shower, avoid cigarettes or 2^nd hand smoke, increase rest, use over-the-counter cough medicine, use acetaminophen, naproxen, ibuprofen for discomfort and fever

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF fever is over 101 even when taking fever medication, if you are coughing green, brown, or blood-tinged sputum, if you are blowing green mucus form the nose, if there is an earache, face pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or other distressing symptoms
• Prevention=don't smoke

• Problem=occurs from bleeding beneath the skin usually resulting from a hard blow
• Symptoms=redness in area of blow, turning blue, green, then yellow as the bruise heals, occasional swelling
• Treatment=use an ice pack immediately, elevate the area to reduce bleeding and swelling, take acetaminophen or naproxen for pain, avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF you have frequent, unexplained bruising or bruising that does not go away (know the names of any medications you have taken)
• Prevention=wear protective equipment when playing sports

• Problem=thermal injuries to the skin
• Symptoms=FIRST DEGREE=redness at the site (see also sunburn)

SECOND DEGREE=blister forms with or without peeling or weeping (see also SUNBURN)
THIRD DEGREE=early on may have charred or whitish appearance and areas with no feeling
• Treatment=FIRST DEGREE=place area in cold water for several minutes, clean with soap and water, take ibuprofen for pain

SECOND DEGREE=same as first degree, apply antibacterial ointment (Neosporin) to blisters and cover with bandage
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF first degree burn covers extensive areas, second degree burn covers extensive area or if signs of infection appear (swelling, drainage, pus), ASAP for any THIRD DEGREE burn
• Prevention=be careful around fires, stoves, cigarettes and any other place a burn may occur

COLD

• Problem=caused by a virus, usually lasts 7-10 days
• Symptoms=sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, runny nose, fever, headache, muscle aches
• Treatment=for sore throat gargle with salt water every 3-4 hours, use throat lozenges, hard candy, or throat spray, for cough use over-the-counter cough suppressant, for stuffy nose use over-the-counter decongestant, for runny nose use antihistamine, for fever, headache, muscle aches use ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen (avoid aspirin)

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF fever is over 101 even when taking fever medication, if you are coughing green, brown, or blood-tinged sputum, if you are blowing green mucus from the nose, if there is an earache, face pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or other distressing symptoms

•  Problem=excessive hardness of stool without regard to frequency
• Symptoms=increased hardness of stool, difficulty moving bowels, abdominal bloating
• Treatment=increase water intake, increase fiber such as fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grain foods, take bulk agents (Metamucil), avoid laxatives

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF there is abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or if there is no relief with self care

-D-

DRUG OVERDOSE

• Problem=applies to alcohol, barbiturates, tranquilizers, methaqualone, cocaine, narcotics, hallucinogens, prescriptive medicines, or over-the-counter medications
• Symptoms=alterations of consciousness, shallow respiration or rapid breathing, drunk appearance, seizures unconsciousness
• SEEK MEDICAL CARE ASAP do not try to self-evaluate, keep individual warm, do not put to bed, do not give other drugs or alcohol, attempt to find what has been taken, including over-the-counter or prescription medications, alcohol or "street" drugs, call 4911 on campus or 911 off campus

EAR ACHE

• Symptoms=pain in the ear canal or ear drum, may be decrease in hearing, pain with movement of the ear lobe, discharge from the ear, fever, upper respiratory symptoms
• Treatment=may take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen for pain, decongestants may help, warm compress, heating pad or hot water bottle applied to ear may help discomfort, DO NOT put any drops in the ear in case the ear drum is perforated

SEEK MEDICAL CARE OF symptoms are severe, persistent or if there is a decrease in hearing, pain with movement of the ear lobe, discharge from the ear, fever, upper respiratory symptoms
• Prevention=do not use cotton swabs in your ears, after swimming rinse ears in the shower, dry ears using a hair dryer

• Problem=a small amount provides a protective coating for the ear's lining
• Symptoms=decrease in hearing on affected side
• Treatment=use over-the-counter ear irrigation lit or remove wax by first softening wilt a few drops of vegetable oil in ear for 4-7 days then using peroxide to "fizz" out the wax

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF symptoms are accompanied by pain to rule out possibility of infection
• Prevention=do not use cotton swabs in ears, use hair dryer for drying ears, do not use alcohol in ears

• Problem=inflammation of the membrane covering the surface of the eye, may be due to irritant in the air, allergy, virus, bacterial infection, or problems with contact lenses
• Symptoms=itchy, watery eyes, discharge, sticking of the eyelid especially upon waking, possible light sensitivity, occasional swelling and redness
• Treatment=mild cases due to colds usually do not require treatment, viral conjunctivitis may be treated by flushing eye with water or saline solution 3-4 times daily, antibiotic drops may be prescribed

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF symptoms persist more than 24-48 hours, if discharge is present or if there is any doubt regarding treatment
• Prevention=do not wear contacts if infection is present, avoid putting fingers and other irritants in eyes, avoid using another person's linens esp. if that person has an eye infection, avoid using "old" makeup, use hypoallergenic makeup, discard present makeup if infection is present, ALWAYS wash hands before touching the eyes

• Symptoms=pain, intense discomfort, redness, watering, visible injury
• SEEK MEDICAL CARE ASAP-DO NOT REMOVE ANY PROTRUDING OBJECT, close both eyes, apply loose dressing over both eyes to immobilize eye
• Prevention=wear goggles when working around dust or flying materials, protect eyes when playing sports which might cause eye injury

• Problem=a foreign object in the eye can produce serious injury
• Symptoms=the eye will water immediately, pain, intense discomfort, redness
• Treatment=DO NOT RUB THE EYE, close the eye gently, tears may wash the object out or into view, splash the eye with plain water

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF you cannot locate the object or remove it easily
• Prevention=wear goggles when working around dust or flying materials

• Problem=may result from the splashing of household products, cosmetics or chemicals
• Symptoms=pain, intense discomfort, redness, watering of the eye
• Treatment=flush the eye immediately and repeatedly with water every 5 minutes

SEEK MEDICAL CARE ASAP after flushing the eye with plenty of water
• Prevention=wear goggles when working around chemicals

FAINTING/DIZZINESS

• Symptoms=lightheadedness, abnormal vision, room may seem to be spinning, anxiety, woozy feeling, may experience loss of consciousness
• Treatment=lie down until episode passes, try to determine the cause of the episode, find out if anyone witnesses the episode

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF loss of consciousness occurs, you are unsure of the cause of the episode or if you have recurring episodes, if the room was spinning, if you fell and injured yourself during the episode
• Prevention=eat breakfast every day, avoid overindulgence in alcohol

• Problem=body temperature increase to above 98.6 F
• Symptoms=chills, sweats, flushing (redness) of the face, temperature reading over 98.6 F
• Treatment=increase fluids, take acetaminophen, naproxen, ibuprofen as directed, tepid sponge bath or shower, avoid alcohol baths

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF fever is 101 or higher even after taking medication or if accompanied by other symptoms

• Problem=contagious, respiratory illness caused by viruses
• Symptoms=sudden onset of fever of 100-104 F, chills, weakness, body aches, headaches, sore throat, cough, nausea, loss of appetite, usually lasts 7-10 days
• Treatment=stay in bed, drink plenty of fluids, take ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen for fever and aches, DO NOT USE ASPIRIN FOR VIRAL ILLNESS, may try cough syrup for temporary relief of cough symptoms

SEEK MEDICAL CARE within 3 days of onset, prescription medications are available for symptoms
• Prevention=get a flu vaccine each year in the fall, wash hands frequently, dispose of tissues properly

HAY FEVER (SEE ALLERGY)

HEADACHE

• Problem=pain in the head from tension or muscle contraction, migraine, sinus, or hangover
• Symptoms=tension or muscle contraction in neck and back, pain that may be dull and steady, acute, stabbing or throbbing, visual changes, nausea, vomiting, sinus pain, pain in teeth, pain in the eyes or ears
• Treatment=take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen as directed, rest in a dark room, decongestant or warm compresses for sinuses, relaxation, warm shower, drink plenty of fluids

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF symptoms are persistent and severe or unusual, or if they are accompanied by thick nasal discharge or neck stiffness
• Prevention=use stress management techniques, avoid consuming too much alcohol

• Problem=trauma to the head
• Symptoms=headache, unconsciousness, reduced memory function, seizure, visual problems, bleeding from eyes, ears or mouth, change in behavior (sleep, irritability, lethargy), fluid draining from nose, persistent vomiting, irregular breathing or heart rate, visible sign of injury to the head

SEEK MEDICAL CARE ASAP apply pressure to stop any bleeding, apply ice to minimize swelling
• Prevention=wear a helmet when riding a bike, rollerblading, skateboarding, or in other activities where head injuries are likely to occur, wear seatbelts in vehicles, avoid using alcohol and other drug substances when engaged in activities requiring judgment or coordination

HEAT EXHAUSTION (SEE SUNBURN)

HANGOVER

• Problem=physical illness resulting from consumption of too much alcohol
• Symptoms=mild to severe headache, muscle aches, lack of energy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Treatment=there is no real cure for a hangover, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen for pain and muscle aches, drink plenty of water, avoid coffee, sleep it off, do not drive if you are impaired to any degree
• Prevention=avoid consuming alcohol, if you do drink control the amount you consume, if you drink too much take ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen and drink a large glass of water before going to sleep (this may minimize hangover symptoms)

INDIGESTION

• Symptoms=burning pain below the breast bone or ribs, difficulty swallowing or belching
• Treatment=take antacids as directed on label of package

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF pain persists or if you have black or bloody material in vomitus or stools
• Prevention=avoid irregular, large meals, eat small meals more frequently, avoid foods you know cause discomfort, avoid aspirin and products containing aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, avoid stress, anxiety and alcohol

• Symptoms=LOCAL REACTION: swelling at site or sting, heat, tenderness, redness, itching

SYSTEMIC REACTION: hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness, fainting
• Treatment=LOCAL REACTION: remove stinger, do not squeeze the venom sac, apply cold compress to limit swelling and itching, apply cortisone cream to reduce itching, antihistamine (Benadryl) may relieve itching and swelling, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen may relieve any discomfort

SEEK MEDICAL CARE ASAP if there are any signs of a systemic reaction
• Prevention=avoid using aromatic cosmetics and scented soaps when going outdoors, avoid wearing brightly colored clothing, stand quietly when approached by insects, wear shoes outdoors, in wooded areas wear pants, shoes, socks and long sleeves, inspect for ticks, carry proper ID and medication if you know you are prone to systemic reactions

JOCK ITCH

• Problem=any itching groin rash
• Symptoms=itching, scaling, redness in groin region
• Treatment=cleanse the groin with plain water, avoid using soap which may aggravate, use over-the-counter antifungal medication

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF symptoms persist
• Prevention=dry thoroughly after bathing, wear loose cotton underwear, apply talcum powder regularly, after swimming put on dry clothes as soon as possible

MENSTRUAL CRAMPS (DYSMENORRHEA)

• Symptoms=cramping and pain in lower abdomen occurring just before and during menstrual period, may be accompanied by headache, nausea and diarrhea
• Treatment=exercise regularly, use relaxation techniques, heating pad, take ibuprofen or naproxen beginning 2-3 days before expected onset of period

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF pain is severe or unusual for you, if there is heavy clotting or passage of tissue
• Prevention=start taking ibuprofen or naproxen 2-3 days before onset of period

• Problem="Mono" is a viral disease common in adolescents and young adults
• Symptoms=sore throat, swollen lymph glands, extreme tiredness, fever, chills, headache, sometimes rash or jaundice, usually no nasal congestion, earache or cough, symptoms vary from mild to severe and last from several days to a number of weeks, 50% of mono cases have enlargement of spleen
• Treatment=get lots of rest, avoid alcohol for 4-6 weeks because mono can affect the liver, gargle with strong tea or warm salt water to ease sore throat, us ibuprofen for fever, avoid acetaminophen because it may affect the liver, avoid aspirin, avoid strenuous activity that could cause trauma to abdomen for 2-3 months, avoid college contact sports until cleared by a physician, avoid weight lifting and aerobics to reduce risk of rupturing the spleen

SEEK MEDICAL CARE ASAP blood tests will be done to check for mono, few people experience complications, but seek help promptly if there is sharp abdominal pain lasting more than 5 minutes or if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Prevention=avoid spreading the disease by kissing or sharing eating utensils, mono is not otherwise contagious

NAUSEA/VOMITING AND DIARRHEA

• Problem=viral infections are the most common cause of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, antibiotics do not help these cases; nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be symptoms of food poisoning, pregnancy, hepatitis, migraine, side effects of medication or too much alcohol
• Symptoms=nausea, vomiting, diarrhea indicated by frequent loose watery stools, dehydration indicated by dry mouth, dry eyes or dark urine
• Treatment=start on a clear liquid diet which includes ginger ale, Gatorade, decaffeinated soda, weak tea with sugar, jello, or bouillon made with extra water, do not drink milk or orange juice, do not drink diet sodas because you need the calories, eat frequently in small amounts, try hard, clear candy or saltine crackers, after 24-48 hours with no vomiting you may try bananas, rice, applesauce, dry toast, or plain baked potato (do not use butter or margarine with these), continue bland, low fat diet until you have no nauseam vomiting or diarrhea for 3 or more days, GET PLENTY OF FLUIDS, for diarrhea you may try over-the-counter diarrhea medication (Imodium AD or Pepto-Bismol)

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF you have bloody stools, fever, signs of dehydration, abdominal pain, or if symptoms worsen or persist, the cause may be something other than a viral infection and require medical attention
• Prevention=wash hands frequently, avoid too much alcohol and caffeine, take medicines as directed, use contraception if sexually active, avoid food you suspect may be spoiled, refrigerate food adequately

• Problem=the blood vessels within the nose lie very close tot he surface and bleed ing may occur with the slightest injury or irritation
• Symptoms=bleeding from the nose
• Treatment=sit in upright position and firmly squeeze the soft portion of the nose between the thumb and forefinger for at least 5 minutes, breathe through the mouth, do not swallow blood, cold compress across the nose may help

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF bleeding cannot be stopped or if nosebleeds are a recurrent problem
• Prevention=vaporizer may help by adding moisture to the air, avoid blowing the nose until bleeding has stopped, avoid antihistamines

RASH

• Problem=there are numerous causes of rashes and skin problems, some may go away without treatment, others may need over-the-counter medication and some may indicate a serious disease and require medical attention; causes of rashes may include fungus or yeast (jock itch or ring worm), viruses (warts, herpes, chicken pox), bacterial infections, lice, scabies, contact with irritating chemicals, poison ivy, reaction or allergy to a drug, sunlight, and insect stings
• Symptoms=itching, pain, roughness, bruising, redness, blotches, scaling, lesions, blisters, fever
• Treatment=try to determine the cause of the rash, if the cause of the rash is known you may try over-the-counter treatment, for itching you may try soaking in cool water with Burrow's Solution, baking soda, Aveeno, or oatmeal (one cup per tub), use Calamine lotion (not Caladryl), use an antihistamine (Benadryl), use hydrocortisone cream or gel

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF the cause of the rash is not known, if self-medication is ineffective, or if medication you are using may be causing the rash
• Prevention=avoid irritants that cause rashes, practice good hygiene, keep your skin cool and dry, wear clean clothing and change bed linens often, avoid poison ivy, know if your medications cause photosensitivity, use sunscreen

SEIZURES

• Problem=may be caused by drug or alcohol withdrawal, low blood sugar, cardiac problems, brain injury, or epilepsy
• Symptoms=abrupt onset, clenching of fists and teeth, loss of consciousness, skin paling esp. in the face, eyeballs rolled upward or to one side, head may overextend or turn to one side, facial muscles may tighten, loss of bladder or bowel control, rhythmic muscle contractions, sleep or lethargy

SEEK MEDICAL CARE ASAP lay the person on their side so they do not choke on secretions, protect them from injuring themselves, move nearby furniture out of the way, do not try to pry open clenched teeth to place anything there, observe so you can describe the episode

• Problem=infection of the sexual and reproductive organs, STDs are spread by close physical contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex
• Symptoms=each STD is different and some show no symptoms
• Treatment=seek medical care if you believe you are infected or have been exposed to a STD
• Prevention=use latex condoms regularly and correctly, use birth control spermicides in addition to condoms, these kill many STD germs, not having sex is your best protection

-CONDOMS (GUIDE TO THEIR USE)

Condoms are highly recommended for STD prevention and as a means of birth control. They help prevent transmission of herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV (AIDS), and most other sexually transmitted diseases. However, abstinence is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and STDs including AIDS.

*Condoms are available FREE to students in the Hundley Wellness Promotion Center on the second floor of Westside Hall and in the machine in the lobby.

Buying Condoms

• Do buy a supply of good quality, LATEX, reservoir (nipple)-end, lubricated type condoms.
• Do check expiration date on outer package.
• Do check name of lubricant. It should contain nonoxynol-9, which provides a chemical barrier against sexually transmitted diseases.
• Do store in a cool, dry place.
• Don't buy condoms made of any material other than latex. Only latex prevents passage of harmful germs.
• Don't carry in hip wallet or store in glove compartment of car for long periods of time. The condom may deteriorate.

Putting the Condom On

• Do be careful not to tear, bite, or stick the condom with a pin when removing it from the package.
• Do roll the condom down on the penis as soon as it is hard, BEFORE you start to make love (foreplay).
• Do leave * two * inch extra space at the tip to catch the ejaculate if the condom has no nipple.
• Don't unroll the condom; instead, carefully roll it onto the penis as you put it on, rolling it all the way down toward the base of the penis.
• Don't put the condom on only when you are about to enter your partner; it may be too late. Drops of semen may already be on the penis before ejaculation and may infect or impregnate your partner.

Taking the Condom Off

• Do withdraw the penis before it becomes soft; the condom may slip off, and protection is lost.
• Do hold the condom at the rim; remove soon after ejaculation.
• Do keep used condom away from partner's genitals and other parts of the body as well.
• Don't tug to pull the condom off; it may tear.
• Don't allow semen to spill on your hands or body. Wash hands or body parts if contact occurs. Wrap condom in tissue and dispose of safely.
• Don't allow semen to come in contact with a skin break, cut, or open wound.
• Don't re-use the condom.

Special Points to Remember

• If you buy unlubricated condoms, you may need a lubricant. Use only water-soluble lubricants such as spermicidal jelly or water based lubricant such as KY jelly.
• Don't use oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly or vegetable oil with latex condoms, since they can damage the condoms.
• Correct use of condoms increases comfort and promotes a sense of security in having safer sex.
• Women who feel hesitant about providing condoms and insisting on their use need to remember that many STDs are more dangerous for them - females have fewer obvious symptoms and a higher risk of serious health consequences.
• When used as a contraceptive, condoms should also be used with a spermicide (foam, cream, sponge, suppository). Spermicide works in two ways: the foam, cream, sponge, or suppository provides a mechanical barrier that blocks the movement of sperm into the cervical canal, and the chemical agent is spermicidal, meaning it kills sperm on contact.
• Condoms are not fool-proof and have a failure rate of approximately 12%, especially if used improperly or not from start to finish.
• Condoms used with a separate spermicide are almost as effective as the birth control pill.

• Problem=caused by viral infections or irritations from smoking, shouting, coughing, and postnasal drainage
• Symptoms=soreness, dryness, low-grade fever (below 100 F), hoarseness, local pain on swallowing, headache, tender lymph nodes
• Treatment=use salt water gargles every 3-4 hours, throat lozenges, hard candy, throat spray, acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen may relieve pain, avoid aspirin, rest your voice

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF neck glands are swollen, fever over 101 F, severe fatigue, headaches or difficulty swallowing, if symptoms persist after 2-3 days of self-care
• Prevention=avoid smoking or second- hand smoke, avoid shared drink containers or eating utensils, avoid close contact with anyone complaining of sore throat

• Problem=a sprain is when ligament fibers are actually torn but the continuity of the ligament remains intact, a strain is when a muscle or joint is stretched
• Symptoms=symptoms for both may be the same: swelling, pain and redness, bruising with black discoloration
• Treatment=rest the ankle, elevate the leg supporting the thigh and calf with pillows, apply cold to the ankle for a minimum of 4 hours (15-30 minutes on and 15 minutes off), apply ice wrapped in towel so it is not against the skin, heat may be applied after 24 hours, an elastic bandage may ease discomfort by immobilizing the ankle, ibuprofen may be taken for pain

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF the ankle appears to be deformed or in an unnatural position, if you are unable to bear weight on it after 24 hours, or if you hear popping when you feel the ankle give way, X-rays may be necessary to rule out fracture, you may need to perform strengthening exercises to facilitate healing
• Prevention=wear high top shoes or special ankle supports when playing sports or engaging in activities where injuries may be likely

• Problem=thermal injury to the skin usually equivalent to first or second degree burn, caused by over exposure to the sun
• Symptoms=pain, redness, itching, blisters, rash
• Treatment=take ibuprofen or naproxen and long cool shower, use cool vinegar compresses 4 times daily (1 cup vinegar/1 Qt. Water), may take antihistamine to relieve itching and burning, use spray, lotion, or gel containing lidocaine, use steroid cream like Cortaid (not on open blisters), use moisturizing soaps, avoid drying soaps, avoid the sun, seek medical care if above measures are ineffective
• Prevention=avoid the sun between the hours of 10am and 2pm, use sunscreen

TICKS

• Problem=ticks adhere to the skin, there are usually no symptoms, but they may cause contraction of Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Symptoms=LYME DISEASE: fever, headache, stiff neck, body aches, fatigue, rash, conjunctivitis, arthritis or heart problems may occur after months after infection
• ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER: loss of appetite, irritability, chills, fever, malaise, headache, rash (pink, branching flat lesions that change to deep red, raised lesions beginning on wrists or forearms and ankles then appearing on palms and soles of feet, after 6-18 hours rash may spread to arms, thighs, trunk, and face)
• Treatment=if tick is attached to the skin flip the tick over on its back and pull it out, apply antiseptic to the area

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF you think you may have contracted Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever from exposure to ticks
• Prevention=when walking in woods or tall grass stay on path or trail and avoid brush areas, wear pants, long-sleeved shirt, hat and shoes, light colored clothing, use insect repellent, self-inspect for ticks esp. in hairy body areas

URINARY TRACT INFECTION (CYCTITIS and PYELONEPHRITIS)

• Symptoms=painful and frequent urination, lower abdominal discomfort, cloudy or bloody urine, urinating in small amounts, chills, fever, fatigue, back pain
• SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF you suspect infection, avoid taking over-the-counter medication, antibiotics may be prescribed
• Prevention=cleanliness (wipe from front to back), adequate fluids (5-8 glasses of water per day), empty bladder as soon as you have the urge, urinate before/after sex, avoid a bubble bath, deodorized tampons, perfumed or colored toilet paper, take 500mg of vitamin C a day, avoid coffee, alcohol and beverages containing spices

WOUNDS (CUTS, LACERATIONS, ABRASIONS)

• Massive bleeding is life threatening. Find the site. Apply pressure to the site. Call for help (on campus 4911, off campus 911).
• Problem=a wound is a tissue injury accompanied by a break of the skin, abrasions or scrapes occur when the outer layers of skin are rubbed away, cuts/lacerations are wounds made by sharp objects
• Symptoms=arterial bleeding (bright, red blood spurts from the wound), nerve injury may be accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness in injured part, infection may be indicated by pus, redness, swelling or fever
• Treatment=apply pressure to control bleeding, maintain at least 3-10 minutes to allow clotting, elevate the bleeding part, after bleeding is controlled clean with soap and water removing dirt and foreign materials, bring edges of wound together and apply clean dressing with antibiotic ointment to fight infection

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF bleeding continues, numbness at any point below the wound, persistent or increasing pain, swelling or rash, fever over 100 F, red streaks radiating away from the wound, tetanus booster may be needed
• Prevention=pay attention, be especially alert to situations where injury may occur

• Problem=caused by sharp object such as nail, tack, metal or wood splinter, or a pen or pencil
• Symptoms=bleeding may be heavy if major vessel is punctured, nerve injury indicated by tingling or weakness, infection indicated by redness, swelling, drainage, pain, or fever
• T=remove object from wound, applying pressure not needed unless bleeding profusely, let wound bleed to clear away foreign material, wash with soap and water when bleeding stops, clean wound thoroughly with peroxide, apply a light dressing with antibiotic ointment, soak in warm water 3-4 times daily for several days, repeat peroxide and antibiotic ointment

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF the wound is deep, if there is severe redness, swelling, drainage, odor, or fever, if you have not had a tetanus shot in 5 years or are uncertain when you had your last booster, if the wound if from a dirty, rusty object, if there is a chance of a foreign object remaining in the wound, there is heavy bleeding, weakness, or tingling
• Prevention=always wear shoes, use extreme caution when using sharp tools or materials, wear protective clothing when hiking or doing yard work

YEAST INFECTION

• Symptoms=thick, white vaginal discharge, mild to severe itching, burning and discomfort during urination, men are rarely infected and usually have no symptoms with occasional itching or rash
• Treatment=over-the-counter medication, usually a cream inserted in the vagina

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF symptoms persist, if there is chance of pregnancy do not use over-the-counter medication, apply cool compresses to the vulva 2 times daily
• Prevention=avoid nylon underwear, panty hose without a cotton crotch, tight jeans, and wet bathing suits, eat yogurt every day, drink sweet acidophilus milk, avoid douching