Fissure
Fissure
What is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a painful cut or tear in the anal skin.
What causes an anal fissure?
Fissures are usually caused by a hard or large stool, or less frequently, by diarrhea. It is common during and after pregnancy as well.
What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?
An anal fissure causes severe pain as well as spasms (a tight feeling) that typically occurs during and after a bowel movement. It can also cause burning and itching. Bleeding is frequently present. There may also be swelling at the opening, which makes many people believe they have a hemorrhoid instead.
Can fissures heal on their own?
Small fissures will often heal on their own if the harmful bowel habit changes. However, if your symptoms have lasted for more than a month, or it keeps recurring, it can be more difficult to heal. The reason fissures do not usually heal is because of a spasm in your sphincter muscle, which is one of the muscles that helps us control our bowel movements.
How do you treat fissures?
Most fissures can heal with topical prescription medications you apply directly to the cut, along with dietary adjustments such as adding a stool softener and a fiber supplement. If this does not heal the fissure, then you may need surgery. Surgical options include botox injection or cutting part of the muscle that is spasming.
What should I do if I have a fissure?
If you think you have a fissure, you should make an appointment. The best thing to do in the meantime is to keep your bowel movements soft and regular by increasing your water and fiber intake as well as taking warm baths often.
