Common childhood health issues

Head lice are tiny insects that live in all types of hair. They are a common problem. The only way to be sure someone has head lice is by finding live lice or eggs. You can do this by combing their hair with a special detection comb, which can be bought at a pharmacy. Although largely harmless, they can be irritating and live in the hair for a long time.

You don't need to contact your GP practice. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend treatment or you can remove them with a special fine-toothed comb.

A stomach ache, including stomach cramps or abdominal pain, doesn't usually last long and isn't usually caused by anything serious.

If you're concerned, a pharmacist can give advice and suggest any medication that may be required, such as oral rehydration. If your child has diarrhoea, most cases will clear up after a few days without treatment and you may not need to take them to the GP. They should drink plenty of fluids - frequent small
sips of water - until it passes.

Treatment isn't usually needed for conjunctivitis because the symptoms often clear up within a couple of weeks. Regularly washing your hands and not sharing pillows or towels will help prevent it spreading.

Children don't need to stay away from school if they have conjunctivitis, unless they are feeling particularly unwell.

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are tiny parasitic worms that infect the large intestine of humans. They are common in children under the age of 10. They look like pieces of white thread in your child's poo.

If you think you or your child may have threadworms, you can usually treat the infection yourself with medication available at pharmacies without a prescription.

However, pregnant women must not buy medication from a pharmacy. They should speak to their GP practice or use NHS 111 online or by phone.

It's normal for a child to have several colds a year. This is because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them as they have never had them before. They gradually build up immunity and get fewer colds.

Most colds get better in five to seven days, but can take up to two weeks in small children.

If your child has had a cough that has lasted longer than three weeks, contact your GP practice.

If your child's temperature is very high, or they feel hot and shivery, they may have a chest infection. You should contact your GP practice or NHS 111.

Did you know that asthma is the most common long-term medical condition affecting children and young people? If you are the parent of a child or young person with asthma, speak to your GP practice or local pharmacist to discuss getting an asthma management plan in place.

Having an asthma action plan in place will help you understand how to correctly use inhalers.

Find more information at www.SaferAsthma.co.uk

Sore throats are often caused by viral illnesses, such as colds or flu. Your child's throat may be dry and sore for a day or two before a cold starts. You can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the pain.

Most sore throats get better on their own after a few days. Pharmacists can assess and treat sore throats for children aged five and over. If your child has a sore throat for more than four days, a high temperature and is generally unwell, contact your GP practice.

Strep A is a common type of bacteria. Most strep A infections are mild and easily treated, but some are more serious.

Symptoms of a strep A infection

• flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
• sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis)
• a rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
• scabs and sores (impetigo)
• pain and swelling (cellulitis)
• severe muscle aches
• nausea and vomiting.

Strep A infections are more common in children, but adults can also sometimes get them. Most strep A infections are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics. On rare occasions, the infection can cause serious problems. This is called invasive group A strep (iGAS).

A regular teeth-cleaning routine is essential for good dental health. Make sure your child attends regular dental check-ups as advised by a dentist.

Find information about keeping your child's teeth and gums healthy at NHS.uk