Diarrhea at night (probably TMI)

[Anonymous]

My 5 year old has been woken up for the past two nights with diarrhea. He doesn't normally wake up to use the bathroom during the night, much less to poop. Both times he hasn't quite made - which I'm sure is mortifying as he's been potty trained for three years now. He's been fine during the day.

Sorry for the TMI, but I'm particularly concerned because the poop that got on the seat seems to have stained it -- like it was so acidic that it ate through the finish on the seat (and I wiped it off quickly). Also his anus is red raw - like a severe diaper rash (I put some diaper cream on it).

Has anyone seen anything similar? is this just a regular viral case of the runs, or something to bother the doctor about?

[Anonymous]

He may have an enterovirus/norovirus. We got that last year and it was horrible - I had terrible diarrhea that burned when it came out, as did my daughter. It does make you very raw "down there."

You should probably call the doctor though - he can probably prescribe something that might help.