Is this anxiety

[Sunshining20]

My DS 5 is constantly itching his bum or has his hands down the back of his trousers in public IE at school, at hobby clubs, we took him to a show in London he did it the whole time and when he is with his friends. He doesn't do it hardly at all when at home just us.

I've checked for worms, absolutely none. I'm bathing him every night. Checking his wiping to ensure nothing left behind. Bottom not red at all or sore.

AIBU. Could this be an anxiety/comfort thing?!

I've never heard of this being a psychological response before but not sure what else it can be?! His teacher says he does it all day and she constantly has to ask him to wash his hands. It's franky embarrassing and very inappropriate not to mention unhygienic

Anyone else experienced this? What do I do?!?!

Take him to go see your GP https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/itchy-anus/

Just sounds like a dirty habit.

I'd absolutely treat him for worms anyway. I've never seen any evidence with my kids, but they stop itching when treated and PJ's washed every night etc for two weeks.

Don't label it 'anxiety' or you'll get yourself worked up.

If there's no medical reason then it's very likely just a habit that you need to keep pulling him up on.

I've got 3 DS and one of them used to do this all the time without even realising it.

Worms aren't usually seen. Take him to the GP. You could try a belt to sliw down access giving him that extra time to remember it's not appropriate. Does he say why he does it? Does he know it's poor hygiene and could lead to bullying? Typical 5 year olds are usually developing a sense of shame that stops them doing certain things.

You can get worming tablets over the counter. Everyone in the family will need to take them. I would do that in the first instance, together with telling DS to stop scratching (and, like someone else said, using a belt to slow him down!) That eliminates the worms explanation.

I went to the pharmacy today and explained and asked for worm treatment she said had I seen any I said no. She spoke to her boss who said they couldn't give it out as a preventative.

He's had worms before a long time ago so I know what I'm looking out for but maybe I will need to try another pharmacy. No one else in the family is itchy.

Like PP said I must admit I am worried about him getting bullied over this or being labelled something mean as these type of things can stick even once move past this phase and in older years

You could try Sudocreme for a few days OP.

That might tell you whether it's an actual itch or a habit?

We've done this but didn't make a difference. Plus have to do it at night as he's very resistant to putting it on during the day but thank you for the suggestion. I just don't understand how he can think it's an appropriate habit (if that's what it is) I've never seen other kids do this..

You can just order it online…

Ok so another midnight flash light investigation and we found a threadworm. Case closed. Not relieved but at least now I know it isn't a dirty habit