Scabies is a highly contagious skin disease caused by a tiny mite, which lays its eggs under the skin making it extremely itchy, especially at night.

"I've seen children burst into tears when they find they have head lice, and it's common for parents to feel shame about their child having worms," says Dr. Gerard Coles, a senior researcher in parasitology at Bristol University.

"But there's no need. Kids pick things up easily because they are in such close contact with each other. It doesn't mean you're not hygienic or haven't been looking after your children properly. The crucial thing is to know what to look for so you can get rid of the problem as quickly as possible."

Here's how...

Head Lice

Lice crawl from head to head so are rife, especially in the 4-11 age group, and girls with long hair are more susceptible. The tiny parasites suck blood from the scalp and the only symptom is itchiness. The eggs hatch after about a week, leaving the empty casing, or nit, attached to the hair.

Get rid of them:

Nits embarrass kids, so reassure them it doesn't mean they're dirty. Nits prefer clean heads. You can buy nit combs, special shampoos and repellents from pharmacists. Try Lice Attack, a natural coconut oil emulsion or Nice 'n' Clear, made of neem oil, both available from Boots.

Threadworms

These affect four out of 10 children before the age of 10. Tiny eggs are carried on clothes, bed linen, skin, under fingernails and in food. The worms appear in feces and look like threads of cotton. An itchy bottom is usually a sign.

Get rid of them:

Kids worry about worms living inside them, so tell them it's quite common and curable. Tablets and powders, such as Pripsen and Ovex, can be bought at a pharmacist. Treat the whole family -- don't share towels, cut fingernails short, encourage regular hand-washing and discourage bottom-scratching.

Toilet Troubles

Constipation, diarrhea, wind and bedwetting are all common. Passing only small, hard pellets is probably a sign of constipation. Diarrhea can be caused by an infection, food poisoning and anxiety.

Fizzy drinks, foods such as beans, and digestive disorders can be to blame for excessive wind. Bedwetting is common up to the age of five. After that, it may be due to stress or late development.

Get rid of them:

Avoid making your child feel shame. If they're constipated, increase fluid and fiber in their diet. If the problem persists or they're scared of going to the toilet in case it hurts, your GP can help. If they've had diarrhea, encourage them to drink plenty of liquid to replace lost water, salt and sugar.

Passing wind is normal. Most people do it at least 12 times a day. Young children need to be taught social etiquette, though, so don't laugh when they do it! Peppermint or ginger supplements can help excessive wind.

If you're concerned about bedwetting, speak to your GP -- the cause could be emotional. Tell your child that lots of kids have the same problem. For more info, contact the Enuresis Resource and Information Center (ERIC) on 0117 960 3060 or visit www.eric.org.uk.

Scabies

This is a highly contagious skin disease caused by a tiny mite, which lays its eggs under the skin making it extremely itchy, especially at night. It tends to appear between fingers and toes, under the arms and in the genital area.

The rash can become infected, causing redness and inflammation. Poor hygiene has nothing to do with it -- mites are passed from person to person or through clothing, bedding and upholstery.

Get rid of them:

See your GP. Scabies is treated using an anti-parasitic drug in a lotion that's applied to the whole body below the neck -- and to the head in children under two.

The lotion must be kept on for 24 hours and all members of the family should be treated. Clothes, bed linen and towels should be washed. Calamine lotion can soothe itchiness.

'I Caught Head Lice off My Kids'

Financial director Sue Laing, 42, lives in Bucks with husband John, 43, and children Charlotte, 12, Sarah-Jane, 10, Alicia, nine, and six-year-old Hugo.

Sue says: "The girls first got head lice seven years ago, then one day my head itched and I realized I'd got them. I felt too humiliated to ask friends for advice so I went to my GP.

"Since then we've all had head lice several times and I've tried every treatment possible. Finally I discovered that Lice Attack works best for us.

"I'm no longer embarrassed about lice. The children still get self-conscious, but they know it is nothing to be ashamed of."