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How can you care for your child's perianal strep infection?
- Give your child antibiotics as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
- If the doctor prescribed a cream or ointment, use it as directed.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you change diapers or help your child at the toilet.
- Have your child wash his or her hands with soap and water, before and after using the toilet. Make sure that your child scrubs under his or her fingernails.
- Have your child sit in a few inches of warm water (sitz bath) after bowel movements. The warm water helps with pain and itching. Make sure that no one else shares the bath water.
- Do not share washcloths or bath towels.
Perianal strep infection in children: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has new or worse symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
- The rash is changing or getting worse.
- Your child has new pain with bowel movements.
- You see blood in your child's stools.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child has new or worse constipation. If your child has had pain during bowel movements, he or she may hold the stool in to avoid pain.
- Your child does not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.