Question

My baby is 6 months and 2 days old and has had diarrhea for two days. Now, the anus is red and painful, and there’s even a crack today, making it impossible to touch the bottom. When cleaning him, the baby cries in pain constantly. I’ve heard that you can apply vegetable oil (sesame oil) or red mold ointment to the red, swollen area of the anus. Is this method safe to use? Will there be any side effects? The baby is male. The main symptom is redness and pain in the anus. The onset of symptoms was two days ago. The results of laboratory tests were negative.

Answer

When dealing with a 6-month-old baby’s red, swollen, and painful anus after diarrhea, the following measures can be taken:

  1. Clean the baby’s anus with warm water and avoid using cloth to wipe, as this may worsen the pain.
  2. After cleaning, you can apply red mold ointment or vegetable oil (such as sesame oil) to soothe the redness of the anus. These methods usually do not cause severe side effects, but it is best to consult a doctor before use.
  3. If the baby cries continuously, it may be due to pain or discomfort, so immediate comfort and attention are needed.
  4. Pay attention to the baby’s diet; if the baby is formula-fed, try using formula specifically designed for diarrhea; if breastfed, the mother should eat light and easily digestible food, as this can also affect the baby’s condition. Additionally, it is important to keep the baby’s bottom clean and dry to prevent diaper rash and to observe the baby’s mood and reactions to determine if there are other discomforts. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.