Childhood diseases:Layout 1 · Head Lice Head lice are tiny (pin-head sized) grey-brown, wingless insects which live by sucking blood from the scalp. Their eggs are laid at the base

Childhoodillnesses

Know what to do, what to look for and where to go

The NHS non-emergency number

Childhood diseases:Layout 1 27/7/15 12:10 Page 1


All childrenexperience commonillnesses like coughs,colds and chickenpox;they are all part ofgrowing up.

Antibiotics are not needed forevery illness and using themunnecessarily means they are lesslikely to work when we needthem and could expose your childto side effects.

Instead, treating your child’sillness yourself or with advice andmedicines from your localpharmacy, can often be the easiestand quickest way to help yourchild get better.

This starts with a well-stockedmedicine cabinet, which should bekept securely out of your child’sreach. Be prepared with a digitalthermometer, children’s liquidpainkillers, decongestant orvapour-rub, oral rehydrationsachets, antiseptic cream,calamine lotion, teething gel andplasters.

You can also get medical advicefrom your GP, health visitor,midwife, school nurse or bycalling NHS 111 for free, 24 hoursa day. In most cases you can getthe help and advice you needfrom these professionals ratherthan going to A&E.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis can cause redness andsometimes watering of the eye(s).

There are two main types, infectiveand allergic.

Infective conjunctivitis will be presentall the time and usually affects oneeye first and then spreads to theother, sometimes with burning,grittiness, a sticky coating andsometimes enlargement of the glandsin front of the ear.

Allergic conjunctivitis it will come andgo with things like high pollen countsor closeness to dogs or cats.Sometimes you can become allergic toantibiotic drops or ointment. You maynotice it developing with a blocked orrunny nose.

Most cases of conjunctivitis are not acause for concern but you shouldcontact your pharmacist if you thinkyour child might have it.

See your GP if your child getsrepeated infections. The followingsymptoms could be the sign of a moreserious eye condition – you shouldseek more medical advice immediatelyfrom a GP or NHS 111 if you thinkyour child has pain in eyes, is sensitiveto light, has disturbed vision orintense redness in one or both eyes.

What to look out for

What can you do?

Symptoms


Coughs & Colds

Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sorethroat, cough, headache, mild fever,tiredness, aches and pains.

There is no medical cure for a coldand you can only treat the symptoms.

Increase the amount of fluid yourchild normally drinks. If your child hasa fever, pain or discomfort, offer themchildren’s paracetamol or ibuprofenby following the dosage instructions.Nose drops from the pharmacy or rub-on decongestant may help your childbreathe more easily. A cough isnature’s way of clearing the airpassages. If your child is over the ageof one, try a warm drink of lemonand honey.

If your child has a cough that has notgone away after a week, or also has ahigh temperature and is breathless,ask your pharmacist for advice.

Sore Throat

Pain or soreness in the throatespecially on swallowing, hoarse voice,feeling unwell, tired with a mild fever.

Viral infections are the cause of mostsore throats so antibiotics will have noeffect in most cases. Simple painkillers,such as children’s liquid paracetamolcan be an effective way of alleviatingany pain or discomfort. Cold drinks orice cream are often soothing.

If the sore throat continues for morethan four days, there is a hightemperature or your child has difficultyswallowing liquids, together with neckpain, call NHS 111 or see your GP.


What can you do?

Symptoms


What can you do?

Symptoms

Increase theamount of fluidyour childnormally drinks.



High Temperature

A high temperature or fever is 38°C orhigher and is a symptom of manycommon illnesses. A fever helps thebody to fight infections bystimulating the immune system.

Keep your child cool by undressingthem to their underwear. Keep theirroom cool (18°C or 65°F) and open awindow if necessary. Reduce night-time bedding to a light cotton sheet.Encourage your child to drink cool,clear fluids. Give children’s liquidparacetamol or ibuprofen regularlyalways checking the instructions forthe right dose and for how often itcan be given.

If the temperature gets worse despiteattempts to bring it down or if thefever is accompanied by confusion,drowsiness, difficulty breathing orsensitivity to light, seek medicaladvice from NHS 111.

Ear Infection

Earache (usually on one side),congested cold, fever, feeling unwell,irritable, frequent ear rubbing andpoor appetite.

Give pain relief such as children’sliquid paracetamol or ibuprofen. Placeyour child in an upright position withpillows, a warm towel held againstthe ear may be helpful. Children’sdecongestants from the pharmacymay also give some temporary relief.Most ear infections resolve within twoor three days without antibiotics –during this time medicine for the painmay help. Ask your pharmacist forfurther advice if needed.

If the earache persists, ask yourpharmacist or health visitor foradvice, call NHS 111 or see your GP.

Earache can also be caused by otherthings such as teething or evenswimming.


What can you do?

Symptoms


What can you do?

Symptoms

A fever is 38°C or higherand is a symptom ofmany commonillnesses.



Croup

A harsh barking cough accompaniedby wheezy breathing. It usually occursin children aged one to five years andoften develops when they have aheavy cold.

A humid or moist atmosphere willease your child’s breathing. Superviseyour child in the bathroom or showerwith the hot taps running to createsteam. Prop up your child’s bed tohelp their breathing.

If the croup persists, call NHS 111. Ifyour child has significant difficultybreathing, seek immediate medicalattention e.g. 999.

Diarrhoea & Vomiting

It is common for young children toget an upset tummy from time totime. This will usually cause one ormore of three symptoms: vomiting,diarrhoea and stomach pains. If yourchild is otherwise well it is likely thediarrhoea and vomiting will getbetter on its own within 24 hours.

It is important to drink plenty offluids to avoid dehydration. Avoidgiving solid foods and encouragesmall, frequent sips of water or oralrehydration fluid. Also avoid fruitjuice, cow’s milk or squash, as thesedrinks can worsen diarrhoea.

If the diarrhoea and vomiting persistsor worsens, or your child becomesmore unwell, contact your GP.


What can you do?

Symptoms


What can you do?

Symptoms



Constipation

Poos become hard and difficult orpainful to pass. Motions are passed lessoften or there is a change from usualbowel habits. May be accompanied byfeeling bloated or sick.

Make sure your child drinks plenty offluids and eats a mixed diet whichincludes lots of fibre, fruit andvegetables. Most cases will resolve intime or seek advice from yourpharmacist.

If the constipation persists or worsens,see your GP.

Rashes

Childhood rashes are very commonand are often a result of a viralinfection or simply due to heat, foodor if you have changed your washingpowder.

If a rash is very itchy, try to keep yourchild cool and apply calamine lotionto the skin by following theinstructions. Encourage your child torest and keep an eye on them for anysigns of illness. Make sure your child isdrinking plenty of fluids. Ask yourpharmacist to recommend a cream forapplying to the skin to provide relief.

If you are concerned, do the glass teston the Meningitis page. If rash getsworse or any other symptoms developseek advice from your health visitor orGP.


What can you do?

Symptoms


What can you do?

Symptoms

Make sure yourchild eats lotsof fibre, fruitand vegetables.



Stings & Bites

Within the UK common insects thatmay sting or bite include wasps, bees,mites, ants, fleas and mosquitoes. Theskin may turn pink, red or mottledand there could be a painful blister.

Most cases of bites or stings can betreated at home or will get betterwithout any treatment. However,extra relief can be provided bycleaning the area and then applyinglocal anaesthetic or antihistaminecream. If stung by a wasp or bee thenremove the sting as quickly as possibleusing tweezers before applying thecream or ointment.

An allergy to wasp and bee stings cancause a severe reaction or evenanaphylactic shock. The symptoms canvary including narrowing of airwaysleading to breathing difficulties,wheezing, swelling around the eyes,lips, hands and feet together withsore itchy eyes. If these symptomsoccur call 999 immediately.

Bumps & Bruises

Children will get bumps and bruises asa normal part of growing up. Mostbruises will disappear afterapproximately two weeks.

If the bump starts to swell, soak aflannel in cold water and place it onthe area for a few minutes to reduceany swelling. Check regularly thatyour child is playing and behaving asusual.

If your child continues to complainthat it hurts, this could indicate amore serious injury and you shouldcall NHS 111.


What can you do?

Symptoms


What can you do?

Symptoms



Burns & Scalds

Burns are caused by dry heat, such ashot objects or the sun. Scalds arecaused by hot liquid and steam. Theskin may be painful and look pink,red or mottled together with blisters.

The burn or scald should be cooled asquickly as possible. Run it under coldwater for at least ten minutes.

If the burn or scald covers a large areaor the damage is deep into the skin,cover the area with a sterile dressingor non-fluffy material like cling filmor a clean plastic bag and seek urgentmedical attention e.g. from your GPor A&E.

Head Lice

Head lice are tiny (pin-head sized)grey-brown, wingless insects whichlive by sucking blood from the scalp.Their eggs are laid at the base of thehair and are known as nits. These willhatch out in seven to ten days withthe empty egg sacs sticking to thehair. Head lice can be found on allhair colours and types regardless ofwhether hair is dirty or clean. Thescalp will feel itchy and may be worsebehind the ears or on the back of theneck.

There are two options available fortreatment. These are medicatedtreatment such as shampoos or scalplotions available from your localpharmacy. Or the ‘wet combing’method which is the systematicremoval of live lice by combingthrough the hair with a plasticdetection comb.

You will need to check every memberof your family for head lice if yourchild has them. Whichever option youchoose to treat the head lice, it isimportant to recognise that neitherwill protect against re-infection ifhead-to-head contact is made withsomeone with head lice at a laterdate. Check your child’s hair regularly(every one to two weeks) using aplastic detection comb.


What can you do?

Symptoms


What can you do?

Symptoms



Threadworms

Threadworms are small, thin, whitecotton-like worms that live in the gut.They are common in children, butmay infect all household membersand are not usually harmful.

At night, the worms lay their tiny eggsaround the anus which causes itching.

Scratching to relieve the itching whilstasleep can make the area sore withsevere cases causing the child to beirritable. Infection may spread to thevagina in girls which can result in adischarge. Often there are nosymptoms.

The usual treatment is for the wholefamily to take a medicine to kill theworms which can be obtained fromyour local pharmacy and to undertakethe following hygiene measures fortwo weeks after treatment.

● Wear clean underpants or pyjamasat night.

● Bath or wash around the backpassage (anus) each morning.

● Change and wash bed linen,nightwear, cuddly toys every fewdays.

● Keep fingernails short.

● Wash hands and scrub underfingernails every morning, afterusing the toilet, changing nappies,and before eating.

● Make sure everyone uses theirown towel and flannel.

Most cases can be treated at homebut seek medical advice from yourpharmacist if:

● your child has frequent infections.

● treatment does not stop theitching after three weeks.

● there is a general loss of appetiteor weight loss.


What can you do?Symptoms

Wash your hands and scrub underfingernails.



Chicken Pox

Chicken pox is extremely common as itis highly infectious; being spread bycoughing, sneezing or by directlytouching the rash.

Characterised by a red, itchy rashwhich blisters and crusts over withintwo weeks.

A mild flu like illness is usually presentbefore the appearance of the rash.Your child may suffer from a fever,body ache, headache, nausea and lossof appetite.

No specific medical treatment isrequired. Pain relief such as children’sparacetamol can help if your child haspain or a fever.

Antihistamines or calamine lotion mayhelp with the itching. Children shouldstay at home until the blisters havecrusted over and avoid contact withpregnant women.

Chicken pox is usually mild but oncein a while complications can occur.The most common is infection of therash if it blisters, if you have concernscall NHS 111.


What can you do?

Symptoms

Meningitis is not a minor illness,so trust your instincts and act fast!

Meningitis

Meningitis means swelling of the liningaround the brain and spinal cord. It can behard to recognise at first. Symptoms canappear in any order but the first symptomsare usually fever, cold hands and feet,vomiting, headache and feeling unwell,just like many mild illnesses.

Further symptoms include:

● Severe headache.

● Stiff neck (less common in youngchildren).

● Dislike of bright lights (less common inyoung children).

● Very sleepy, vacant or difficult to wake.

● Confused or delirious.

● Seizures.

● Rash (anywhere on the body but notpresent in all cases).

Babies and toddlers may also:

● Refuse to feed or eat.

● Not want to be held or touched.

● Have a stiff body with jerky movements,or floppy, unable to stand up.

● Having a tense or bulging soft spot(fontanelle) on the top of the head.

Symptoms



Being preparedBe aware of the signs andsymptoms of serious illness.Be prepared on how to copeif an accident happens.

It would be ideal to have yourown first aid kit at home whichcontains everything you may needin an emergency. Basic itemswould include plasters, steriledressings, cotton wool, adhesivetape, antiseptic liquid or cream,insect cream, pain relief, scissors,tweezers and disposable gloves.Speak to your local pharmacistwho will advise on the contentsof your medicine cupboard andfirst aid kit so they are fullyequipped.

Remember to keep all medicinesout of the reach of children and tocheck them regularly for their use-by dates.

What can you do?

The glass test

You can check a rash by pressing the sideof a clear glass firmly against the skin. Ifthe rash fades and loses colour underpressure it is not a meningitis rash. If thespots DO NOT change colour, you shouldseek medical help immediately.

Meningitis is NOT a minor illness. Trustyour instincts – If you suspect your childmay have some of the signs and symptomsact fast and seek medical adviceimmediately e.g. A&E.


What can you do?




Choose the right service for your needsSELF CARE

Grazed knee, sore throat, cough.

Ensure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked and visit www.selfcareforum.orgfor guidance on Self Care.

NHS 111

If you need medical help fast but it’s not an emergency – NHS 111 can help by giving advice and/or access to the most appropriate service such as dentist, pharmacy, community services and GP services. NHS 111 can also dispatch an ambulance if needed. NHS 111 is free from landlines and mobiles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

PHARMACIST

Diarrhoea, minor infections, headache, painful cough, runny nose.

To find your local pharmacy visit www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories.

GP SURGERY/HEALTH CENTRE

Continuing ear pain, fever, stomach pain, vomiting and other illnesses.

To find your local GP surgery visit www.nhs.uk/service-search or call NHS 111.

‘OUT-OF-HOURS HEALTH SERVICES’

If your GP surgery or dentist is shut but you need assistance urgently, call NHS 111 who can book you an appointment if necessary.

A & E or 999

Choking, chest pains, heavy bleeding, cannot breathe, serious burns, fractures.

To find your local A & E visit www.nhs.uk/service-search or call 999.

For more information:NHS.ukwww.nhs.uk

National Pharmacy Associationwww.npa.co.uk/askyourpharmacist

Consumer Health Information Centrewww.chic.org.uk

Self Care Forumwww.selfcareforum.org

Child Accident Prevention Trustwww.capt.org.uk

NHS Southend CCGwww.southendccg.nhs.uk

NHS Castle Point & Rochford CCGwww.castlepointandrochfordccg.nhs.uk

Southend Hospitalwww.southend.nhs.uk


Childhood diseases:Layout 1 · Head Lice Head lice are tiny (pin-head sized) grey-brown, wingless insects which live by sucking blood from the scalp. Their eggs are laid at the base

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