Information for parents and carers.
Accidents/Head Injuries
| Treatment: |
Watch your child for 24 hours. |
| When to ask for help: |
Child is unconscious even for a short time. Child becomes very clumsy, confused or complains of double vision. Child vomits more than twice. Child is bleeding from the ear. |
Temperature
| Causes: |
Part of a childhood illness (e.g. chickenpox). Other infections (usually viral). |
| Treatment: |
Cool the room. Cool the child (e.g. cool bath). Cold drinks. Junior Paracetamol. When to ask for help: |
Rashes
| Causes: |
Childhood illnesses (e.g. chickenpox, measles, German measles (rubella). Allergy (e.g. nettle rash, virus infection). |
| Treatment: |
Calamine lotion for irritation. Otherwise there is no need to treat rashes as they are not important themselves. |
When to ask for help
If the rash fails to blanch (whiten) on pressure (e.g. when applying a glass tumbler to it). If your child is unwell (e.g. extreme drowsiness or vomiting.
Earache
| Causes: |
Catarrh (e.g. with a cold). Infections (viral, bacterial). Wax. |
| Treatment: |
Junior Paracetamol. |
When to ask for help
Phone for advice if the pain is not settling. Pulling at ears is not usually a sign of an ear infection.
Bruises
| Treatment: |
Cold compress. |
When to ask for help
If the child continues to be unable to use the injured part (e.g. 24 hours or more).
Coughs, Colds, Stuffy Noses & Sore Throats
| Causes: |
Infections (e.g. cold virus). |
| Treatment: |
Comfort and reassure the child. Increase moisture in atmosphere. Prop the child up with pillows. As with adults, antibiotics are ineffective. |
When to ask for help
If the baby is having difficulty feeding and breathing at the same time. If you suspect inhalation of a foreign body. If wheezing for the first time or difficulty breathing. If cough lasts for more than three weeks. If the child is unwell.
Tummy Troubles - Vomiting or Tummy Ache
| Causes: |
Infections. Eating too much. Constipation. |
| Treatment: |
Continue to breast feed, more frequently if possible to keep the fluids up. Stop formula milk, replace with clear liquids (e.g. water). Offer an older child frequent, small drinks (no more than half a cupful). Don’t give milk (other than breast milk) for 24 hours or until vomiting has ceased for 4 hours. It is okay to eat what you fancy. Junior Paracetamol may be given. |
When to ask for help
If the child’s tummy is very tender when you press. If vomiting lasts for more than three days. If the baby or child becomes very lethargic, floppy and difficult to awaken. If there is blood in the stool or vomit. If there is tenderness in the groin or testicle.
Poisoning
If you suspect your child has eaten or drunk anything poisonous, ring the surgery immediately.
Medicine Chest
- Junior Paracetamol (e.g. Calpol/Disprol)
- Cotton Wool
- Dressing Strips
- Calamine Lotion
- Dioralyte or Rehidrat
- Karvol or Snuffle Babe
- Sun Tan Cream - Minimum Factor 30
- Thermometer
Keep all medicines out of a child's reach and locked away!
Available Direct From Your Pharmacist
- Beconase Nasal Spray for hay fever
- Brolene Eye Ointment for sticky eyes
- Calpol, Disprol and Paracetamol Elixir for pain relief in children under 12 years
- Canesten Cream for athlete’s foot
- Canesten Pessary for vaginal thrush
- Friars Balsam, Menthol, Vicks and Olbas Oil for steam inhalations
- Gaviscon Liquid or Tablets for indigestion and heartburn
- Hydrocortisone 1% Cream for eczema, allergic rashes and insect bites
- Ibuprofen Tablets for pain relief - especially muscular and joint pains
- Ibuprofen Cream for muscular pains and strains Joint Supports/Tubigrip for strains/sprains and swollen joints
- Laxatives for constipation
- Nicotine Patches and Gum to stop smoking
- Otrivine-Antistin Eye Drops for hay fever
- Piriton and Benadryl for hay fever, itchy rashes and insect bites
- Pripsen and Ovex for threadworms
- Shampoo for head lice