Stools - Blood In

Is this your child's symptom?

Anal Fissure. If no diarrhea, most of these children have a small tear in the anus. This is called an anal fissure. Anal fissures usually are caused by passage of a large or hard stool. This is the cause in 90% of children with blood in the stools.
Strep Skin Infection. A Strep skin infection around the anus can also cause blood-streaked stools.
Bacterial Diarrhea. If also has bloody diarrhea, a gut bacterial infection may be the cause. Examples are Shigella, Salmonella, E.Coli 0157 or Campylobacter.
Cow's Milk Colitis. Starts within the first 2 months of life. Causes loose, slimy stools. Can be blood-streaked. Treatment: need to avoid cow's milk formulas.
Blood spreads rapidly and widely in water. Passing a stool with a few blood streaks often turns the toilet water pink. It doesn't mean a large blood loss.

The things listed below can also cause red-colored stools that look like blood:

An anal fissure is the most common cause of blood in the stools.
It causes blood on the surface of a stool. Blood may also be found on toilet tissue after wiping.
The blood is always bright red.
Only a few streaks or flecks are seen.
You may see a shallow tear at 6 or 12 o'clock on the anus.
Caused by passing a large or hard stool.

Small amount of blood in the stools. None of the symptoms above. Reason: most likely an anal fissure or tear. This needs a doctor's input.
Note: try to save a sample of the "blood" for testing.

What You Should Know About Anal Fissures:
- An anal tear is the most common cause of blood in the stools.
- This is called an anal fissure.
- It causes blood on the surface of a stool.
- Blood may also be found on toilet tissue after wiping.
- It is caused by passing a hard or large stool.
- Here is some care advice that should help until you talk with your doctor.
Warm Saline Baths:
- Give a warm salt water bath for 20 minutes.
- Add 2 ounces (60 mL) of table salt to a tub of warm water. You can also use baking soda.
- Do 2 times per day for 1 day to cleanse the area and to help healing.
Steroid Ointment:
- If the anus seems red, use 1% hydrocortisone ointment (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed.
- Put a little around the anus.
- Use 2 times per day for 1 day to help healing.
High-Fiber Diet:
- For children more than 1 year old, change the diet.
- Increase fruits, vegetables and grains (fiber).
- Reduce milk products to 3 servings per day.
- If Constipation is the cause, see that care guide.
What to Expect:
- Most often, anal tears heal up quickly with home treatment.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Bleeding gets worse
- Small bleeding occurs more than 2 times
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.