Patient's question:
The baby is eight months old and has been having a bowel movement only once every ten days. Previously, the stools were not dry, but the last two times they have been a bit dry. The area around the anus is slightly broken. How can this be resolved?Doctor's answer:
This is not quite normal. You can give the child some probiotics to promote digestion and regulate the intestines. Prolonged dryness can easily lead to anal fissures. If the anal fissure is caused by constipation, the key to treatment is to maintain bowel regularity. At eight months, you can give him some mashed apples or bananas to soften the stool. Use warm, slightly salty water to clean the anal area daily, and apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment locally to prevent infection.