If your child has an accident, when do you seek medical advice?

Most minor cuts and bruises can be treated efficiently at home with a first-aid kit. But what if you think the injury needs closer attention?

• You should call your doctor for advice, if you are in doubt about how serious the wound is, or whether it needs stitches, or if your child keeps complaining that it hurts.

• Consult your doctor about all cuts that are deep and won’t stop bleeding. Any scrapes with embedded objects that can’t be washed away, large wounds and burns worse than a reddening of the skin should also be professionally treated.

• See your doctor if the wound doesn’t heal as expected or if any of the following symptoms of infection appear: increased pain, redness and swelling of the skin, a yellow discharge or a bad smell coming from the wound.