Need advice about my 7yo (tmi warning)

[SilverOwl11]

Using a throwaway account just due to nature of what I'm saying...

My son is 7 and for around 6 months ish we have had a problem of him picking poo from his bum and smearing it wherever he can, usually underneath the table he is sat at or desk etc.

When this happens and we question him about it he complains his bum is itchy and that's why he is doing it.

We took him to his doctor, who prescribed cream to sort any sort of fungal infection, although there wasn't any evidence of this being the case, but just incase there was because of the itching.

I'm not convinced it is actually itchy, I feel it's more of a behavioural thing which the doctor said we could talk about if the cream didn't help. Which it didn't make any difference.

However obviously at the moment doctors appointments are emergency only. So I feel as though we are just having to carry on until we can get the appointment.

Does anyone have experience with this sort of thing? What it could be/why he is doing it? What can be done to help?

We have him clean the area and himself, and encourage him as much as usual to go to the toilet instead of picking. But not much is making a difference.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

[ZooKeeper19]

The only thing that comes to mind is pinworms. Have you "dewormed" him? I remember we had them as children and it was itchy, but not skin itchy just bum itchy. Hope it helps :)

[SilverOwl11]

Yes he's been treated just as a precaution.

[bertiebottseveryfalvourbeans]

It may just be a really gross phase, if you think he is actually making up the itching. Also, I don't think smearing poo on furniture wouldn't help ..... when I was a child I had worms (eww) and I just sat on the toilet for a loooong time. If you are sure its not actually medical, then some really bad punishment e.g. yelling, confiscation may prove to be helpful. Hope your coping xx

[SilverOwl11]

Have spoken to his doctor this morning whose referred him to pediatrics at the hospital. The GP recommended no reaction incase it's an attention thing, and lots of layers to prevent him doing it.

[SomeoneElseEntirelyNow]

Smearing is often indicative of SEN or, forgive me, sexual abuse or trauma. Has he had any counselling or school input or similar?

[SilverOwl11]

He has been referred to camhs for suspected ASD. The GP has ruled out it being a physical medical issue and after identifying other signs they recommended psychological support. It all makes more sense to me now. I'm just hoping it won't be too much of a wait as I know mental health services are really strained.

[ZooKeeper19]

@SilverOwl11 sorry to hear, I hope it will not be too bad for you and your little one. Hope you manage to get some proper support soon amidst of all this virus issues. Wish you good luck and loads of patience.

[Poppinjay]

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[Poppinjay]

FFS! Sorry keyboard issues!

[Poppinjay]

I' really sorry. Have restarted my laptop and it's working fine now.

Smearing is more common in children with ASD. It's often linked to the high levels of sensory input it provides to a sensory-seeking child.

It might help to give him opportunities for sensory play like perfumed play dough or things that provide strong tactile input..