900 Min
In OTC
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A conversation between a mother who has brought her young son into a pharmacy and the pharmacist, who sees them in the consultation area, goes like this:
€Can you help us with this?€ the mother asks, opening up the boy's shirt to reveal a disc shaped patch on his chest. It has an inflamed red border and is progressively paler towards the centre.
€How old is your son and how long has he had this?€ asks the pharmacist.
€He's six and it started a couple of weeks ago.€
€Does it itch?€€
€Yes, he says it's very itchy.€
€Have you seen your GP about this?€
€No. When I phoned for an appointment the receptionist said it didn't sound urgent or serious and that I'd have to wait a fortnight for an appointment. She told me to put antispetic cream on it in the meantime. I have, but it hasn't made much difference.€
€Do you have any pets at home?€
€No.€
€Has your son been anywhere special or different recently, that you can think of?€
The mother thinks for a moment. €Well, he went on a school trip to a petting farm about a week before the patch started appearing.€
€I think I know what it might be,€ says the pharmacist. €I'll give you something that should clear it up, but if there's no improvement within a week or so you will have to take him to your doctor.€
