– Dr. Tarun Singh, Pediatrician and newborn specialist at Kalpavriksh Healthcare, Dwarka, New Delhi & Pediamedics Healthcare, Sonipat

My eight-year-old son frequently falls off his bicycle and suffers minor scrapes and bruises. How should I treat them? I also wonder if I am making a mistake by not taking them seriously and not consulting a doctor.

— Mridula Naik, Delhi

Wash the cut/bruised area gently with clean running water and mild soap, remove visible dirt, apply an antiseptic, and cover if needed. Bruises usually improve with a cold compress applied for 10-15 minutes. Consult a doctor for deep wounds, persistent bleeding, severe pain, swelling, or difficulty moving a limb. Also ensure that your son wears protective gear such as a helmet while cycling.

My children pet stray cats. Sometimes they get scratched and bleed a little. Do they need tetanus or anti-rabies treatment?

— Veena Tara, Mumbai

Any animal scratch that breaks the skin should be washed thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Tetanus protection should be reviewed according to your children’s immunization status. Scratches from stray or unknown cats may also carry rabies risk, especially if the skin is broken, so prompt medical evaluation is important to determine whether anti-rabies vaccination is required. 

After football classes, my son sometimes complains of a sprain. What should I do?

— Shawn Manohar, Hyderabad

For suspected minor sprain, start with Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid forcing the child to continue playing. If there is significant swelling, severe pain, inability to bear weight, deformity, or symptoms persist beyond a day or two, consult a doctor to rule out a fracture or more significant injury.

My daughter plays on the monkey bars in the park nearby and sometimes gets calluses and bleeding palms. How should I treat them? I don’t know if the monkey bars are old or rusted.

— Reena Varma, Bengaluru

Calluses are usually harmless and can be protected with appropriate grips or gloves during play. For broken or bleeding skin, gently wash with soap and water, apply a suitable antiseptic, and cover with a clean dressing until healed. Avoid further friction until the skin recovers. Seek medical advice if there is increasing redness, swelling, pus, or persistent pain — these are indicative of infection.