> Mumps are an infectious disease that's caused by a virus. there's no specific medical treatment for mumps but, fortunately, they're less common now thanks to the MMr vaccination, which is given to most children between twelve and fifteen months, but some parents choose not to let their children have the vaccination, which can put them at risk of mumps, measles and rubella.


If a child does get mumps, their neck will be swollen and tender and they may have a fever. they may also experience pain when swallowing and so should be given soft, puréed food and plenty to drink. If the child is feverish, suggest to the parents that they sponge them down with cool water.


ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin that can affect different parts of the body. a child with ringworm will have roughly circular, scaly rashes on various parts of their body. Some may have blisters, while others will have pus-filled spots. on the scalp, small bumps may spread out to create bald spots. advise parents to throw out brushes and combs and to ensure that the affected child uses a different towel from other family members. otc anti-fungal preparations are available, but, if the ringworm is severe, or if it persists for a period of time, suggest that a visit to the gP may be necessary for further assessment.


Scarlet fever is a red rash which starts on a child's chest and neck and spreads to the whole body, except for their mouth. they will also have a very sore throat and a furry red tongue. the child should be given cool drinks and their food should be puréed. an antibiotic may be prescribed by a gP and this must be taken for 24 hours before a child returns to nursery or school.


colic is a condition, which is generally used to define three or more hours of continuous crying every day, generally around the same time of the day or evening. It tends to start a few weeks after birth and usually ends when a baby reaches the three-month mark. Symptoms can include: legs drawn up towards the chest and then pushed out rigidly as if the baby is in pain; clenched fists, redness in the face and swollen stomach. the baby may also be difficult to settle or pacify.


20 - PharMacY In focUS


While infant colic drops may be suggested to a parent with a colicky child, it can also be useful to suggest that, if they are bottle feeding, then a slow-flow teat may help to stop the baby from gulping in air. camomile tea in a bottle may also help to ease the symptoms.


If the mother is breastfeeding, then you may suggest that she avoids eating certain foods that make her feel flatulent.


Strep throat/tonsillitis is caused by the Streptococcus a bacteria and causes a child to have a very sore throat, high fever and swollen neck glands. there may also be evidence of pus on the tonsils, which may indicate a bacterial origin. Many children will experience regular bouts of tonsillitis, and may eventually have to have their tonsils removed by surgery.


In less serious cases, cool drinks and puréed foods should be advised. If there is indeed evidence of bacteria present, then a simple throat swab will reveal whether or not treatment is required and a gP may prescribe an antibiotic, which must be taken for 24 hours prior to the child returning to crèche or school.


although unpleasant to look at, worms or threadworms are usually indicated by a child scratching their bottom at night. Suggest that the parents look for tiny white 'threads' in their child's stools or on their bottom at night. If worms are present, the nursery or school should be informed and the whole family needs to be treated at once, even if they don't have any symptoms. that's because the risk of the infection spreading is very high.


threadworm treatment is targeted at getting rid of the threadworms and preventing reinfection, and usually involves a combination of medication to kill the worms and strict hygiene measures to stop the spread of the eggs.


the principal medication used to treat threadworms - mebendazole - is available otc from the pharmacy but, if the child is under two years of age, you should advise the parents to visit the gP as the recommended treatment usually isn't the same for this age group as that recommended for other people.


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