Tummy migraines, also known as periodic syndrome, are linked to headache-type migraines. They are not uncommon in children, especially those with a family history of headache migraines.

Most children who have tummy migraines will have stomach pains for a few hours then feel completely well. Some, like your son, might have other symptoms usually associated with headache-type migraine, feeling nauseous and/or vomiting, looking pale, feeling dizzy and seeing lights. These symptoms can be disabling for a short time.

It can occasionally be linked with other conditions; for instance epilepsy. Your son may have had an EEG, an investigation looking at brain function, to rule this out. If there isn’t another identifiable cause, the type of medication used to combat headache migraines might help to relieve his symptoms. Ask your GP to refer you to a paediatrician.

Plenty of rest is good, too. Perhaps you could negotiate that if he stays up late at the weekend, he goes to bed at a reasonable time during the week?

Persistent warts

My 17-year-old daughter has had bad warts on her hands for the past three years. We tried over-the-counter preparations and freezing them at our GP’s surgery and eventually went for private treatment. She still has angry red areas on both hands. What is the best treatment? Debbie Hoad, Wokingham, Berkshire

Warts can be difficult to get rid of. Cryotherapy, “freezing” them in the way you describe, can be painful and is not always effective. There’s not a great deal your daughter can do to improve the red marks other than regularly applying a bland moisturiser such as white soft paraffin. The redness will settle in due course.

Warts are caused by a virus. The first line of treatment is usually an over-the-counter preparation containing salicylic acid. You need to be persistentt, though.

Even without treatment warts will eventually disappear of their own accord. It’s a good idea for a child or young person with warts to have their own towel and facecloth to minimise the chances of them spreading to other members of the family.

Jane Collins is the chief executive and honorary consultant paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital

Over to you

E-mail Dr Jane Collins at drjane@thetimes.co.uk or write to her at Body&Soul, The Times, 1 Pennington Street, E98 ITT. Please include your name, address and telephone number. Dr Collins cannot enter into individual correspondence.