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Soiling (child pooing their pants)

Soiling is when a child repeatedly passes stool into their underwear after toilet training. It is often linked to constipation and is common in young children.

If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

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Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

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Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Soiling is when a child regularly poos their pants. If they're already potty-trained, the soiling is usually because they are badly constipated. Treatment from a GP can help.

Causes of soiling

You may feel angry or frustrated when your child keeps pooing their pants (soiling). But they are not doing it on purpose and may not even realise it's happening.

Soiling usually happens when a child is so constipated that a large, hard piece of poo becomes stuck at the end of their gut (rectum).

Fresh poo from higher up the gut then runs around the hard poo and leaks out, staining their pants.

Signs your child is badly constipated

If your child is constipated, they may have:

  • runny poo (you may mistake this for diarrhoea) or bits of hard poo appearing regularly in their pants
  • pain when they poo – they may try to hold in their poos because of this
  • some bleeding during or after pooing, because their poo is large and hard
  • stomach pain that comes and goes
  • a poor appetite or stomach pain that improves after they poo
  • big, hard poos, or small poos like "rabbit droppings"
  • fewer than 3 poos a week

 See a GP if: 

  • your child is regularly pooing their pants (soiling)

It's important not to try to sort out soiling by yourself.

Treatment for soiling from a GP

If your child is pooing their pants (soiling) because they're constipated, a GP can prescribe laxatives to clear out the hard poo and get your child pooing regularly and comfortably again.

This can take a few months to work. The GP will want to see your child regularly to check how they are doing.

The soiling may get worse before it gets better.

A GP may refer your child to a specialist for treatment if they think soiling could be caused by another medical condition.

Things you can do at home to help with soiling

If your child is regularly pooing their pants (soiling), it can help to:

  • set up a regular toilet routine for your child – for example, they could sit on the toilet for 5 minutes every day after each meal and before going to bed
  • be positive and encouraging – you could use a star chart to reward your child for sitting on the toilet (whether or not they do a poo), or leave some toys or books next to the toilet
  • encourage your child to go to the toilet as soon as they get the urge to during the day
  • make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids and has enough fibre in their diet
  • encourage your child to be physically active
Consult with a doctor about Soiling (child pooing their pants)

Consult with a doctor about Soiling (child pooing their pants)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Online doctors for Soiling (child pooing their pants)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Soiling (child pooing their pants) with a doctor online.

5.0 (17)
Doctor

Anastasiia Shalko

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Anastasiia Shalko is a general practitioner with a background in both paediatrics and general medicine. She graduated from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv and completed her paediatric internship at the P.L. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education. After working as a paediatrician in Kyiv, she relocated to Spain, where she has been practising general medicine since 2015, providing care for both adults and children.

Her work focuses on urgent, short-term medical concerns – situations where patients need quick guidance, symptom assessment and clear next steps. She helps people understand whether their symptoms require in-person evaluation, home management or a change in treatment. Common reasons for booking an online consultation include:

  • acute respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever)
  • viral illnesses such as colds and seasonal infections
  • gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis)
  • sudden changes in how a child or adult feels
  • questions about existing treatment and whether adjustments are needed
  • renewal of prescriptions when clinically appropriate
Dr. Shalko works specifically with urgent and short-term problems, providing practical recommendations and helping patients determine the safest next step. She explains symptoms clearly, guides patients through decision-making and offers straightforward medical advice for everyday acute issues.

She does not provide long-term management of chronic conditions, ongoing follow-up or comprehensive care plans for complex long-term illnesses. Her consultations are designed for acute symptoms, sudden concerns and situations where timely medical input is important.

With clinical experience in both paediatrics and general medicine, Dr. Shalko confidently supports adults and children. Her communication style is clear, simple and reassuring, helping patients feel informed and supported throughout the consultation.

5.0 (3)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques.

For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance.

Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults.

In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions.

Patients commonly seek his care for:

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns
Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
0.0 (0)
Doctor

Andreea Mateescu

Paediatrics 8 years exp.

Dr Andreea Mateescu is a board-certified paediatrician with 7 years of clinical experience. She graduated from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, and completed her paediatric residency at INSMC Alessandrescu-Rusescu. She also holds additional training in general ultrasound diagnostics.

Dr Mateescu focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based medical care for children, with a strong emphasis on prevention, healthy development, and long-term wellbeing. She believes that clear, empathetic communication with both children and parents is essential for building trust and ensuring effective care.

Online consultations with Dr Mateescu are suitable for:

  • preventive check-ups and monitoring of growth and development;
  • vaccination planning, including personalised and catch-up schedules;
  • assessment of psychomotor, emotional, and physical development;
  • diagnosis and management of acute and chronic paediatric conditions;
  • nutritional guidance for infants and children, including formula selection when medically indicated;
  • care for children with complex or rare conditions;
  • practical guidance and ongoing support for parents.
Dr Mateescu works with patience, empathy, and professionalism, ensuring that each child receives attentive, individualised care. Her goal is to support healthy, balanced development while helping parents feel confident and well-informed at every stage of their child’s care.
5.0 (29)
Doctor

Dmytro Horobets

Family medicine 7 years exp.

Dr. Dmytro Horobets is a licensed family medicine physician in Poland, specialising in endocrinology, diabetology, obesity management, gastroenterology, pediatrics, general surgery, and pain medicine. He offers online consultations for adults and children, providing personalised medical support for a wide range of acute and chronic health concerns.

Areas of expertise:

  • Endocrinology: diabetes type 1 and type 2, prediabetes, thyroid disorders, metabolic syndrome, hormonal imbalance.
  • Obesity medicine: structured weight management plans, nutritional counselling, obesity-related health risks.
  • Gastroenterology: acid reflux (GERD), gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), liver and biliary conditions.
  • Pediatric care: infections, respiratory symptoms, digestive issues, growth and development monitoring.
  • General surgery support: pre- and post-surgical consultations, wound care, rehabilitation.
  • Pain management: chronic and acute pain, back pain, joint pain, post-traumatic pain syndromes.
  • Cardiovascular health: hypertension, cholesterol control, risk assessment for heart disease.
  • Preventive medicine: regular check-ups, health screenings, long-term management of chronic conditions.

Dr. Horobets combines evidence-based medicine with a patient-centred approach. He carefully evaluates each patient’s medical history and symptoms, offering clear explanations and structured treatment plans adapted to individual needs.

Whether you need help managing diabetes, tackling weight-related health issues, interpreting lab results, or receiving general family medicine support, Dr. Horobets provides professional online care tailored to your specific health goals.

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