Your questions on children's health as they return to school have been answered by Livi's expert, Dr Rhianna McClymont

[JustineBMumsnet]

Please note, questions have been answered and the expert is no longer available to answer new questions.

With the much-anticipated return to school now a reality, many parents have concerns about their children’s health. Whether your concerns are typical of any year or related to the effect of coronavirus, Dr Rhianna McClymont - Livi’s Lead GP - is here to help answer your questions.

Here’s some more info about Dr Rhianna McClymont: “Dr McClymont achieved a First Class Honours in Medicine. She then hit the ground running, carrying out medical, surgical and paediatric training at a number of prestigious London teaching hospitals, before specialising in General Practice. She has worked in a GP surgery in North London, and taken roles in urgent care settings, health-assessment clinics, and a digital healthcare company. Today, she works for Livi as a Lead GP as well as giving her time to the NHS.”

Here’s what Livi has to say: “If you’re a busy parent, being able to get medical advice quickly when one of your family is ill can be a real lifeline. Livi lets you see a registered GP quickly by video, at a time and place that suits you. Appointments are available seven days a week – usually within minutes, or you can book up to a week in advance. Our friendly, professional GPs can give you medical advice and prescriptions for a wide range of symptoms. You can use Livi for your children aged between 2 and 16 years old. Just register your child through the app and get instant access to medical advice when they’re feeling unwell – all without leaving home.”

So whether you’re worried about your little one’s skin rash, allergies or possible exposure to COVID-19 back at school, ask Dr McClymont your questions about children’s health.

Dr McClymont will be back between 16th and 21st September to answer your questions.

All who share a question on the thread below will be entered into a prize draw where three lucky Mumsnet users will each win a £100 Amazon voucher.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

*Please note this thread does not constitute personal medical advice, and please do not disclose personal health information on this forum. You should always speak to a GP/healthcare professional in person for advice specific to your situation.

@lewisb30

How do i tell the difference between covid-19 and a common cough and cold?

The only certain way of knowing is by getting a covid-19 test I am afraid. Children often exhibit very mild symptoms of covid-19 which could mimic a cold. Any new temperature, new continuous cough or new loss of taste and smell in a child requires a covid test.

@Jadejjaaddee

Is it worth investing in some good vitamins to help re build the children’s immune systems in light if everything going on atm?

If a child has a healthy, varied, diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, diary and meat then they should be getting all the vitamins and minerals they need from food and do not need any extra supplementation. The exception to this can be vitamin D over the winter months, as some research has shown that adults and children struggle to source enough vitamin D from sunlight and diet between the months of October-March. Adults, and children from the age of 1, need 10micrograms of vitamin D a day. If you would like to give a vitamin D supplement over the winter months then this can be sourced from any pharmacy and come in a variety of forms – chewable tablets, lozenges or drops

@Zoeyph

What are the best tips for help child with Autism understand how they can live with covid, having got used to being at home, now slowly going back to school really testing times

I can sympathise with how difficult this must be for you, and for your child. This year has been particularly stressful for people who feel more comfortable with a regular regime. There are various autism charities that you may find helpful which have resources which can help you and your child. If you have not used them already, you may find these helpful; autism.org.uk, ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk

@lucyrobinson

I’m worried about my daughters viral asthma when returning to school. Any tips to help her from those horrid coughs and colds?

If she has asthma, then making sure it's well-controlled is the best thing you can do. Has she had a recent asthma review with her GP or practice nurse? If not, it would be best to contact her GP surgery regarding this as asthma that is well-controlled with the correct inhaler management is not as likely to have a bad flare in response to a viral cold.

@lindseystuart85

Good Morning My daughter Heidi has already had a common cold since the return of school (I did check with the teachers if they were comfortable with her attending) which they were! Within a week she was recovered fully however I noticed her scalp/hair never smells nice anymore even after washing it, it smells quite dusty (I hope that makes sense) her hair has lost it's shine and always looks dull. Each time I try to get through to my local health centre during they're telephone advice times it is impossible to get connected, the lines are always busy! Would this be a condition or could it be connected with the recent cold she had? I would really appreciate your advice please.

If her hair is falling out or you are worried about the health of her scalp, then she'll need to be assessed by a doctor. In regards to the smell and look of her hair, perhaps try changing her shampoo for a trial period? I'd suggest giving things a little more time as it is likely to settle on it's own, but if in a few weeks you are not completely happy that things have returned to normal then try and have a chat with her GP.

@Jeanetteleighton

My children have been in school one week and my son Charlie 4 has already caught and given us all a cold , my daughter has had a sore throat with it but it has cleared up. My question is although it was just a cold if your child is complaining of a sore throat do you keep them of as a precautionary measure 🙃

If your child has a sore throat, it could be a sign of a common upper respiratory virus, or a viral/bacterial tonsillitis. On it's own, a sore throat is an uncommon sign of covid-19, and you don't have to self-isolate unless your child has a temperature, new cough, or lack of smell or taste. However, to be safe, it is best to discuss individual cases with your own doctor before making a decision about the best course of action, as it depends on several factors.

@Annekajane85

Is it worth getting my child tye flu jab this year, and if so, could it help protect them against covid?

If they are eligible, then I would recommend they have the flu vaccine, yes. It will not protect them from COVID-19 as they are different viruses, but it will hopefully stop your child becoming unwell with flu which can be nasty and can make some children very sick. This year, the flu vaccine will be available for all children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2020, all primary school children, all year 7 children, and all children aged 2-17yrs with long term health condition.

@miamonkeys

No present issues, but I am very concerned with the covid situation. I know that vitamin C and D have been bandied around as good blockers for a lot of viruses. I want to boost my grandkids immune systems. Other than vitamin C and D, which other vitamin and minerals would help with this?

If a child has a healthy, varied, diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, diary and meat then they should be getting all the vitamins and minerals they need from food and do not need any extra supplementation. The exception to this can be vitamin D over the winter months, as some research has shown that adults and children struggle to source enough vitamin D from sunlight and diet between the months of October-March. Adults, and children from the age of 1, need 10micrograms of vitamin D a day. If you would like to give a vitamin D supplement over the winter months then this can be sourced from any pharmacy and come in a variety of forms – chewable tablets, lozenges or drops.

@ginger179

Any advice on combating the dry hands that come with washing so regularly and applying alcohol based hand gel so often? My little ones hands are quite dry and sore and will only get worse with the cold weather approaching?

Frequent hand washing, particularly with soap, and frequent use of hand sanitizer can dry out the skin and make it more likely to become cracked and sore. However, there is no effective alternative as it is necessary to sanitize the hands to prevent the spread of the virus. I would recommend using a good emollient (moisturizer) cream after every hand wash and at various times throughout the day to keep the skin in good condition. A pharmacist should be able to help you choose a product suitable for you. Moisturiser can be applied once the alcohol gel has completely dried/been absorbed.

@sarsar123

My 13 year old son is asthmatic and catches coughs and colds all the time in winter, will I have to get him tested every time he gets a cough?

At the moment, guidance advises that any new cough needs a covid-19 test, so to follow that guidance, yes he would need a test each time. I understand that with a child with asthma this could be quite difficult. If his symptoms are indicative of a classic asthma flare, and he has no temperature or loss of taste or smell, then you could chat to his GP when this occurs and make a plan together based on his specific symptoms at the time. It is highly likely however, that to be completely safe, he will be advised to isolate and attain a covid-19 test.

@claza93

How can I help my daughter with anxiety? She suffered before covid but his made things so much worse. I am struggling to get her into school

If she struggles with her anxiety, particularly if this is affecting her daily life, then I would speak to your GP together with your child. A referral to local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services could be arranged if this is something you would all like, with a view to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is an excellent psychological treatment for anxiety. Another avenue is Youth Access - youthaccess.org.uk - which offers counselling services which your daughter may find helpful.

@Mrsrlc

My daughter has a nut allergy, she had a blood test to confirm so(after 2 episodes at A&E and 2 years of me asking). Our GP hasn't been very helpful and google is a minefield. Would the test have been for nuts in general or just peanuts? On the 2 occasions that she has had a reaction, they were both peanuts.

It depends on the type of testing that she's had done. If she has seen an allergy doctor, her GP record should contain a letter detailing the type of testing performed and the results. I am afraid I cannot answer your question without seeing the results in question, so you will have to pursue this further with her own GP. Certainly you need to know the complete facts on her allergies before giving any information to the school, as severe allergy reactions can be very dangerous. Until you know for certain, assume that she is allergic to all nuts and not just peanuts to avoid a potentially dangerous reaction.

@Samparkes

My daughter has just started high school and has started her period an along with it has got acne on her back an face. Do you have any tips of what I can use on her acne?

Acne is very common in adolescence, and a simple skincare regimen is the first step. Good treatments for mild acne include products that contain benzoyl peroxide. This is available from pharmacies in 5% strength, and some common skincare brands such as Neutrogena or Clearasil also contain benzoyl peroxide in a weaker form. It works as an antiseptic on the skin to reduce bacteria and thus reduce acne breakouts. If her acne is more severe then there are various creams available on prescription which your GP, or a Livi GP, would be able to help with. These include a topical antibiotic/benzoyl peroxide creams (e.g. Duac), oral antibiotics, or, as she has started her periods, consideration of an oral contraceptive which can work very well for acne.

Thanks everyone for your questions – I hope I was able to give you the information or support you needed. Don’t forget that if you or your child needs to see a doctor in the coming months, you can see a GP (maybe me!) by video, the same day, through the Livi app. Download it now so you’re all set for when you may need it.

Take care, Dr Rhianna

Am sure that took ages to get through, Doctor.
Are you coming back to get through everyone's questions, or is this session finished?
I couldn't see a reply to mine.

My five year old has crackled toe nails on one foot (other foot is normal). The big toe also has a hardened, thicker, yellowing area.
She's had this for two+ years now. I did take her to the GP about it back then, and they said it wasn't anything to worry about but to see them again in a year or two if it hadn't cleared up.
What is it?
Thanks.

@Himsy

Am sure that took ages to get through, Doctor. Are you coming back to get through everyone's questions, or is this session finished? I couldn't see a reply to mine.

My five year old has crackled toe nails on one foot (other foot is normal). The big toe also has a hardened, thicker, yellowing area.
She's had this for two+ years now. I did take her to the GP about it back then, and they said it wasn't anything to worry about but to see them again in a year or two if it hadn't cleared up.
What is it?
Thanks.

Hello @Himsy Trauma to a nail (such as tight fitting shoes or a previous injury to a toenail) can cause a similar presentation. However, it could also be a fungal nail infection. Fungal nails are usually thickened, cracked and yellowed or discoloured nails. There is treatment available for it, but it would usually only be given following a laboratory diagnosis of a fungal nail condition. Your GP would be able to send nail clippings to a laboratory for assessment if they agree this could be the cause. Therefore, it would be best if you book a further appointment with your GP so she can be assessed again.

Thanks so much for replying.

Thanks all for your questions! The prize draw winners are @beckyinman, @Ratbagratty and @StickChildNumberTwo

Thank you :D

Thank you so much! Keep up the incredible work