What should I ask the doctor?

If your child has a recurrent condition, such as cold sores or boils, ask your doctor what you can do yourself if you notice the symptoms recurring.

If your child has a chronic condition, ask your doctor if there is anything you can do at home to help the condition. For example, with infantile eczema, there’s quite a lot you can do, such as adding oil to the bath water, using special soap, gently rubbing in moisturising ointments and creams, even when the skin is clear.

If your child has an infectious disease, ask about the incubation period – could friends be infected too? – the length of time your child will be infectious and how long he will have to stay away from school.