What causes brown,sticky and dry stools in a child?
Patient: My four year old daughter has been having dark brown stool that is dry, somewhat sticky and flaky. The consistency is a lot like dry mud. It sticks to her bottom, so I have to wipe her and as I do, it falls off in dry flakes. She has been also dealing with constipation since about October of 2013. I ve visited doctors multiple times, they gave her an enema (which did nothing at all), and about four x-rays-- but I have yet to receive any answers. I ve given her MiraLax and cut constipating food out of her diet, I ve also increased her water intake. I just don t know what it could be. I am desperate for answers. Thanks! Doctor: Thanks for the query.Sometimes, older babies become constipated because they are trying to avoid pain. For example, they may have a tear in the skin around the opening of their bottom (anal fissure). This can become a vicious cycle. Your baby holds on and gets more constipated, and then the pain is even worse when she does eventually go. Sometimes some medication, viral infection may ause this problem.Regular stooltiming will help, also try glycerin suppositories.Hope i helped you.