In the below video Community Pharmacist, Mary Oaiya talks about what medicine everyone should have at home to help tackle common childhood health problems.
“Hello, my name is Mary Oaiya – I am a community pharmacist in Essex.
It’s always helpful – now more than ever – to keep a well preserved medicine cabinet for if your child becomes unwell.
Always read the instructions on the pack and the information on the enclosed leaflet to ensure that the medicine is suitable for your child before you give it to them.
If you are unsure which product is the most suitable, ask your pharmacist.
The types of medicines you should consider include; liquid painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. If your child is in pain or has a fever and appears distressed using either a suitable sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Do not give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen at the same time, unless advised by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Call NHS 111 if you have tried both medicines and they have not helped.
You should not give paracetamol to a baby under 2 months old unless prescribed by your GP.
Avoid ibuprofen if your child has asthma, unless advised otherwise by your GP. Ibuprofen should also be avoided when your child has chickenpox.
Aspirin should not be given to a child under 16.
Rehydration salt saches – if your child has diarrhoea, it is important to replace lost fluids, salt and glucose to help prevent them becoming dehydrated.
Oral rehydration salts, are an easy way to help restore the body’s natural balance of fluid and minerals, and help your child’s recovery.
If you don’t have access to any re-hydration sachets then you can make your own by mixing 6 level teaspoons of sugar and a half a level teaspoon of salt in to one litre of boiled and cooled water.
This should make approximatively 5 cupfuls.
You can use your child’s favourite sugar free squash to taste.
Calamine lotion or cream provides relief from minor skin rashes and irritation including chicken pox.
Antihistamines – you can help ease allergy symptoms caused by pets, dust or pollen with a suitable antihistamine, which comes as an oral solution for young children.
Antiseptic cream – always clean up cuts and grazes with water or an antiseptic solution and then consider applying antiseptic cream to help prevent any infection.
In the summer months, this can also be used for bites and stings.
Thermometer – keep track of your child’s temperature with an in-ear thermometer. It’s an easy way to take a reading without causing too much distress to your child.
First Aid Kit – you should always ensure you have a good general first aid kit that includes plasters, bandages and an icepack for bumps and bruises.
If you haven’t an ice pack then something like frozen peas is just as effective, wrap it in a towel so that it doesn’t directly touch your child’s skin and cause an ice burn.
If you need any more information or support then remember to speak to your community pharmacist – we are experts in medicine and can always provide and treatment for your child’s minor health concerns”.