Growing up is a busy time for small bodies; it can sometimes feel like every week brings a new illness! But do not fear – here you will find clear advice on how to identify and treat some of the most common conditions at home, as well as the red flags that mean it’s time to see your paediatrician.
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Worms
Seek medical attention if your child is younger than two years old or has recurrent episodes.
What are they?
Pinworms and threadworms are intestinal parasites that are common in children. They have the tendency to spread very easily. Sometimes you can see the worms in the stool, but not always, so your child may only need treatment based on their symptoms.
Common Symptoms
Irritability and restlessness
Abdominal pain
Itchiness, especially at night
Disturbed sleep
Recurrent bladder infections/irritation
How to Treat at Home
Use over-the-counter medications recommended by a pharmacist
Treat the whole family and implement strict hygiene measures
Sore Throat
Brief Description
Often caused by a viral infection, which gets better with supportive treatment. Sometimes they can be caused by bacteria called Group A Streptococcus (Strep Throat), which needs treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Strep throat is unusual in children under two years of age. Children over four years may also present with a rash. In rare cases, sore throat can be a symptom of a more serious illness such as Infectious Mononucleosis.
Common Symptoms

Painful throat
Fever
Bad breath
Reduced oral intake
Vomiting
Swollen neck glands
Trouble swallowing
How to Treat at Home
Use over-the-counter pain relief, like paracetamol or ibuprofen
Make sure your child takes enough fluids
Offer soft and cold food, like yoghurt or frozen ice lollies
In older children, try using an oral antiseptic spray or gargle with an antiseptic solution
See Your Paediatrician If…
Their fever does not respond to paracetamol (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), or lasts more than 48 hours• Child is not taking fluids and is at risk of dehydration
Child is drooling because they are unable to swallow their saliva
Child is lethargic or irritable
Your child has been in contact with someone who has Strep Throat.
Read More On:
A list of Paediatricians in the Cayman Islands
Vomiting & Diarrhoea
What causes it?
Usually caused by a stomach bug, although it can be caused by food poisoning. In rare cases, it can be a symptom of a different illness, such as a urinary tract infection.
Common Symptoms
Loose and frequent stools
Mucous and/or blood in the stool
Vomiting food and fluids
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Fever
How to Treat at Home
Keep infants hydrated by frequent nursing, and older children by offering them fluids in small amounts, but often (like Pedialyte, water, or diluted apple juice)
Avoid solids until vomiting settles
See Your Paediatrician If…
Your child is not keeping any fluids down and thus at risk of dehydration
Their vomit contains blood or bile
There is reduced urine output
Your child becomes lethargic or restless.
Skin Infections
Brief Description
Skin Infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Skin gets infected easily if it is already affected by a different problem such as eczema, insect bites, cuts and scrapes.
If the infection penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, it is called cellulitis, a very serious condition.
Common Symptoms
The rash depends on what the infection is caused by. The most common rashes are:

Impetigo, caused by bacteria - Blisters, crusts or little ulcers anywhere on the body, but mainly around the mouth or hands
Ringworm, caused by fungi - Red, itchy, or scaly patches, with defined edges that may resemble a ring, anywhere on the body
How to Treat at Home
Remember to keep the skin clean and moist
Try to avoid irritants to the skin such as soap or fragrances
Try to avoid scratching the skin
See Your Paediatrician If…
Your child's condition gets worse or becomes cellulitis
If the rash/area is getting bigger or will not stop bleeding
Please note: all cases of Impetigo or Ringworm must be treated with topical or oral medications.
Read More On:
Cayman’s Vaccination Schedule
Ear Infection
Brief Description
Ear infections are caused by fluid behind the ear drum (middle ear infection) or an infection of the ear canal (swimmer’s ear). Under 5s are at higher risk of ear infection, especially after or along with upper respiratory tract infection. Occasionally, earache may be due to tooth pain radiating to the ear.
Common Symptoms
Ear pain
Pulling or rubbing the ears
Fussiness and irritability
Fever
Reduced oral intake
Leakage from ear
Redness around or behind ear
Reduced hearing
How to Treat at Home
Administer over-the-counter pain relief, like paracetamol or ibuprofen
Press a warm cloth to the ear
Nurse or feed infants frequently (sucking helps reduce pressure in tube between nose and ear)
Try to keep the ear dry
See Your Paediatrician If…
There is no improvement with paracetamol or ibuprofen within 48 hours
The earache is also associated with fever
There is ear pain in both ears
There is leakage from ear
There is redness and swelling around and behind ear
Your child appears unwell and lethargic
Your child is off-balance.
Head Injury
Brief Description
Head injuries often occur from falling off a significant height, like a bed or changing table. This may also happen when the child is running and playing, or is hit by an object (e.g. a ball). Head injuries can be external, to the scalp, or internal, involving the skull, with bruising/bleeding to the brain. Fortunately, most childhood falls or blows to the head cause injury to the scalp only.

Common Symptoms
Visible external injuries
Headache
Vomiting
Lethargy
Irritability
How to Treat at Home
Remain calm yourself to avoid distressing the child
Comfort your child
Look for external injuries
Apply ice if appropriate
See Your Paediatrician If…
Your child has fallen from a significant height
Loses consciousness, even for a very short time
Is irritable or will not stop crying
Is lethargic and not interested in distraction
Is unable to wake up
Vomits
Is unsteady on their feet
Your child is less than two years old.
Hand, Foot & Mouth
What is it?
This is a mild, contagious viral infection common in younger children, resulting in sores and a rash on the hands and feet. Hand, Foot & Mouth can spread through person-to-person contact and bodily fluids, but with proper hygiene, the risk of spread can be reduced significantly.
Common Symptoms
Fever
Sore throat
Blister-like lesions on tongue and mouth
Red rash, sometimes with blistering, on palms, soles of feet and/or buttocks
Lack of appetite/not wanting to eat
Irritability (particularly for infants and toddlers)
How to Treat at Home
Buy over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
Offer cool drinks and soft food
Offer a cool/cold bath
Keep your child hydrated
Avoid contact with other children
See Your Paediatrician If…
Fever reaches 38.5°C (101.3°F)
You feel that symptomatic relief is needed.
More about Dr Jasmina Marinova
Dr Marinova, from Integra Healthcare, is an experienced pediatrician in Cayman with a special interest in neonatal medicine, having been trained in both pediatrics and neonatal medicine in Europe before spending 15 years in the United Kingdom, both at the world-renowned John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and in the busy district hospital in Kettering.