Can children get piles?

[Prawngyoza]

My 6 year old has been getting a really itchy bottom lately. I thought worms, so we treated for that.
However, no change and tonight when I was washing him (he likes us to wash round his bottom as it helps) we noticed a blister like thing come up inside his bum - it was blueish / purple colour. Then after a minute or two it disappeared?
Could this be a pile?
I have these myself , so I know how uncomfortable they are.
He does often strain on the toilet.

Yes could well be, I would take him to the GP.

Do you think it’s a GP thing or I was thinking pharmacy?

GP

I agree, GP and not the pharmacist.
It may well be a haemorrhoid and yes, children can get them too. Does he get constipation, hence the straining? What is his diet like? I'd be getting a squatty potty, or anything to lift his feet whilst on the toilet to help ease things. In addition, check if he is eating enough fibre and drinking enough water to prevent constipation.

What will the GP do? Is it likely going to be creams?

His diet is okay but he isn’t one for eating much veg, I do try, he refuses it a lot of the time. He can be very fussy and prefers carbs or anything else.

Oh and he drinks loads of water

Definitely GP. Most over the counter creams are steroids and for adults. You need to get proper advice when treating a child.

Could be or possibly an anal cyst? Worth checking.

They can do but I would get him checked out.

Could it be something serious? I’m worried about cancer now (I have health anxiety) but I’m assuming bowel cancer is extremely rare in a 6 year old?

i understand the anxiety, but honestly piles sounds pretty likely from your description. The GP will be able to put your mind at rest.

OP- What mental health support are you getting for your health anxiety? It is important to get help for yourself too.

Whatever it is, it will need looking at and a pharmacist isn’t trained to do this type of assessment. From experience of piles, this does sound like what it is but best to get him checked over for both of your sakes and then you know what you’re dealing with.
Piles can be suuuuper itchy so best to make him as comfy as possible, lots of the off the shelf creams are for adults so be guided by the doctor xx