Fecal Soiling of Underwear

Fecal soiling is the involuntary leakage of a small amount of feces, leading to staining of underwear. It is a form of minor, passive fecal incontinence that can occur without the person's awareness. The underlying causes are often related to incomplete rectal emptying, where residual stool left after a bowel movement leaks out over time. This can be a result of functional defecatory disorders, structural abnormalities like a rectocele, or conditions causing mucus discharge and perianal moisture, such as prolapsing hemorrhoids. While not a dangerous condition, it can cause significant skin irritation and psychosocial distress.