Pharmacy Unscripted - Back to school

Question 1

What are three key ways to prevent illness in children?

Answer 1

1) Keep up to date with vaccinations
2) Practice good hand hygiene
3) Support the immune system

Question 2

What is the normal temperature in babies and children?

Answer 2

36.4C, but this can vary

Question 3

What is a high temperature in babies and children?

Answer 3

38C or more

Question 4

what are warts and verrucas caused by?

Answer 4

caused by a virus

Question 5

How can warts and verrucas spread?

Answer 5

can spread people to people from contaminated surfaces or through close skin contact

Question 6

When are verrucas more likely to spread?

Answer 6

when the skin is wet or damaged, so a return to swimming lessons may cause an increase in cases

Question 7

what can warts and verrucas be treated using?

Answer 7

using products containing salicylic acid, which breaks down the skin cells, or products that use freezing to destroy the wart or verruca (Cryotherapy)

Question 8

What are additional advice that can be given to parents and caregivers of children with warts and verrucas?

Answer 8

1) Wash hands after touching a wart or verruca
2) Cover warts and verrucas with a plaster when they are swimming, if appropriate
3) Do not share towels, flannels, socks or shoes
4) Avoid biting nails or sucking fingers with warts on
5) Wear socks and shoes as much as possible – do not walk barefoot in public places with a verruca
6) Do not scratch or pick warts or verrucas.

Question 9

What is Molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 9

This is a self-limiting viral infection that affects the skin. It most commonly affects children, although it can occur at any age. Most cases will clear up without treatment in around six to 18 months.

Question 10

What is the main symptom of Molluscum Contagiosum?

Answer 10

The main symptom is small spots on the skin. These are usually firm and dome-shaped, with a small dimple in the middle. They are typically pink or red and may have a tiny white or yellow head in the centre.

Question 11

When should you refer a child with Molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 11

If pimples are broken, the spot will release a thick yellowy-white substance, which is highly infectious. You should refer someone who is presenting with these symptoms to the pharmacist.

Question 12

Who is treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum required for?

Answer 12

Treatment is usually only recommended for people with weakened immune systems or for older children and adults when the spots are particularly unsightly and affect quality of life

Question 13

When should parents and caregivers treat headlice in children?

Answer 13

Parents and caregivers should be advised to treat head lice as soon as they spot them.

Question 14

When treating headlice who else requires treatment?

Answer 14

Everyone in the house should be checked for head lice and everyone who has them should be treated on the same day.

Question 15

If a child has headlice can they attend school?

Answer 15

There is no requirement to keep children home from school.

Question 16

What can head lice be removed by and what specific days does this need to be done on?

Answer 16

Head lice can be removed by wet combing with a detection comb after washing hair and applying conditioner. This needs to be done on days 1, 5, 9 and 13 with a final check on day 17.

Question 17

What is recommended second line if wet combing doesn’t work?

Answer 17

If wet combing doesn’t work you can recommend medicated lotions and sprays. These usually kill lice within a day, but may need to be repeated after a week to kill any newly hatched lice. Remember to check the pack for suitability and usage instructions.

Question 18

What are threadworms?

Answer 18

Threadworms are tiny parasites that can infect the large intestine of humans. They are sometimes known as pinworms, and are white in colour, resembling small pieces of thread.

Question 19

What are the symptoms of threadworms?

Answer 19

Not everyone gets symptoms, but those who do usually notice itchiness around the bottom, particularly at night. The worms may be visible on the skin around the area, in stools, and on clothing or bedding. Untreated cases may cause a loss of appetite, weight loss, bedwetting, and skin infections

Question 20

What is the main treatment used and who should it be taken by?

Answer 20

Mebendazole is the main treatment used and should be taken by all members of the household at the same time.

Question 21

What does mebendazole kill?

Answer 21

It kills the worms, but not the eggs, so strict hygiene measures must be followed by everyone in the household for two weeks to reduce the chance of reinfection.

Question 22

What lifestyle advice can be given while on threadworm treatment?

Answer 22

1) When someone is diagnosed, wash all sleepwear, bedding, towels and soft toys (without shaking them beforehand to prevent eggs being transferred to other surfaces)
2) Thoroughly damp-dust and vacuum the whole house, particularly any bedrooms, and repeat regularly
3) Keep fingernails short and discourage nail biting and thumb sucking
4) Wash hands before eating, after going to the toilet, and before and after nappy changes, taking care to scrub under the nails
5) Wear underwear at night and change it in the morning
6) Bathe or shower in the morning, paying special care to the area around the bottom
7) Don’t share towels and rinse toothbrushes before use
Notify schools or other childcare settings.

Question 23

If re-infection of threadworms is suspected, when is second tablet indicated?

Answer 23

A second tablet is highly recommended after two weeks, if re-infection is suspected.

Question 24

How long should hygiene measures without treatment be followed for?

Answer 24

Hygiene measures without treatment should be followed for six weeks.

Question 25

Who should be referred if presenting with threadworm case?

Answer 25

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under two years old, and persistent or recurrent cases should be referred to the pharmacist.

Question 26

What is vitamin D vital for?

Answer 26

Vitamin D is vital for maintaining healthy bones, teeth and muscles. t also contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.

Question 27

What amount of vitamin D is recommended for adults and children over 4 years old?

Answer 27

should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 mcg of vitamin D during autumn and winter

Question 28

Which month periods may patient not choose to take vitamin D supplements?

Answer 28

Between late March/early April to the end of September, most people can make all the vitamin D they need through sunlight on their skin and from a balanced diet. Therefore, parents may choose not to supplement during these months.

Question 29

What product can be sold OTC for children aged 1-10 years during fussy eating phase?

Answer 29

PeadiaSure
An advanced nutritional supplement drink for one to 10 year olds, recommended during a fussy eating phase, when recovering from being unwell or for active kids needing a boost of nutrition.

Question 30

What are the features and benefits of PeadiaSure?

Answer 30

Features and benefits:
• Contains a unique blend of nutrients including 26 vitamins and minerals plus protein
• Fills the gaps in children's diets
• Supports growth and development§
• Supports immunity
• Supports cognitive development.

Question 31

What advice can be given to parents taking their child for vaccinations?

Answer 31

Allow plenty of time to get to the appointment to help you and your child avoid feeling stressed and anxious.

Dress your child in clothes with loose, short sleeves so that it is easy to access the upper arm for the injection.

Try to stay calm during the vaccination – it’s natural to worry but it might make the child anxious and restless.

Tell the child what’s going to happen in simple language – for example, “you may feel a sharp scratch that will go away very fast”.

Some children experience a high temperature after vaccinations – make sure parents or caregivers have some liquid ibuprofen or paracetamol, if suitable, at home to manage a high temperature if it occurs.