Are you an NZ-based healthcare provider? Did you know we have a whole section on Healthify just for you, to assist in improving healthcare planning, delivery and outcomes?
Soiling
Also known as encopresis
Key points about soiling
- Soiling is when your child has poo accidents in their underwear.
- Constipation is the main cause of soiling.
- Soiling problems can be frustrating and embarrassing for parents and tamariki.
- It's a common problem for tamariki – you're not alone.
- Soiling can happen without your child knowing – it's not usually deliberate.
- The treatment of constipation and soiling takes time – tamariki may need medicine for several months.
- The content on this page comes from KidsHealth(external link).
Soiling is when your child has poo accidents in their underwear. Soiling is a common problem affecting many tamariki. It can happen for any child, toddler or teenager.
The medical term for soiling is encopresis. Constipation is the main cause of soiling. Developmental and behavioural factors also play a role. Read more about constipation in children and how it's treated.
How soiling develops
- Hard poo: Hard poo is difficult to pass and can be painful. When your child next feels the urge to poo, they may hold on to the poo to avoid pain.
- Overloaded bowel: If your child 'holds on' to their poo, the poo gets bigger and harder. This can fill up and overload their bowel. More poo gets stuck in the bowel and it fills up even more. This creates a worsening cycle. Over time, tamariki can lose the feeling or 'the urge' to poo.
- Leaking poo: When tamariki have an overloaded bowel, poo can leak out without them noticing. This can be embarrassing and upsetting.
Video: Poo hoo
'Poo hoo' is a story about Tim Thompson who is having problems with sore tummies and sneaky poos.
(Continence NZ, 2021)
Find out more about soiling and how it can be managed at KidsHealth(external link).
Need help now?
Credits: Content shared between HealthInfo Canterbury, KidsHealth and Healthify He Puna Waiora as part of a National Health Content Hub Collaborative.
Last reviewed:
