6 year old smelly bum

aj9648

This sounds gross I know but my 6 year old has a really smelly butt. He has pretty good hygiene - bath or shower everyday. He cleans himself after a number 2 fine as well. But over the last few weeks we've noticed a pungent smell from his bottom. He has not had a number 2. Sometimes he wakes up with it.

I thought it maybe worms but not seen anything in his pyjamas or his underwear.

Before I embarrass him at the gp (he is very conscious of it) any ideas of what it maybe and any solutions?

Thanks

Ms_Chocaholic

Does he have a healthy diet and does he trump a lot.

aj9648

Yes it's pretty healthy. He had lots of fruit and veg. His only junk day is Saturday when we treat him to takeaway pizza. During the week he has pasta, chicken, lamb etc. I think school dinners are a lot more healthy than they were in my day!!

aj9648

Ms_Chocaholic wrote: »

Does he have a healthy diet and does he trump a lot.

No not a lot of trumping either!!

System

Is he wiping his bum properly? Does he sweat a lot? Could be bacteria build up. How are his bowels? Have you checked for worms in his stools? Ask him if he has an itchy bottom at bed time. Worms come out of the back passage at night.

In the old days we were taught to stick clear sticky tape over their anuses and take it off in the morning to check if any had stuck to the tape.... We were also encouraged to go looking for them when the child was asleep under the covers with a torch. If you did that now you would be done for assault or abuse.

So glad those days have passed.:)

jenniewb

Could it be a gas problem? (And so gastero rather than colon related) maybe ask a nurse at your GPs practice or pharmacist or even his own GP if only to register your concern in case a few other things happen at a later date to build up a bigger picture.

aj9648

Judi wrote: »

Is he wiping his bum properly? Does he sweat a lot? Could be bacteria build up. How are his bowels? Have you checked for worms in his stools? Ask him if he has an itchy bottom at bed time. Worms come out of the back passage at night.

In the old days we were taught to stick clear sticky tape over their anuses and take it off in the morning to check if any had stuck to the tape.... We were also encouraged to go looking for them when the child was asleep under the covers with a torch. If you did that now you would be done for assault or abuse.

So glad those days have passed.:)

How do you check for 🐛

System

aj9648 wrote: »

How do you check for 🐛

Worms are found in the poo after the child has passed a motion. They can have an itchy bum at night, scratch their bum, put their fingers in their mouths (gross i know) and reinfect themselves.

One of my children was a thumb sucker.. had them once, never again!

teddysmum

Judi wrote: »

Worms are found in the poo after the child has passed a motion. They can have an itchy bum at night, scratch their bum, put their fingers in their mouths (gross i know) and reinfect themselves.

One of my children was a thumb sucker.. had them once, never again!

No need to put their hands in their mouth. It would be sufficient to not do a proper hand wash before eating.

teddysmum

Have you asked if he itches or burns, as he could have 'piles' (usually an older person's problem but possible with any constipation) which have been ruptured and so infected?

annandale

Im surprised that this thread is still here, you are asking for medical advice which I thought wasnt allowed to be given on here.

And presumably he is going to school with his smelly bum and he'll be even more self conscious of it there as well and possibly at risk of being ridiculed by other kids.

Only a GP will be able to let you know whats wrong