Anal Fissures
An anal fissure occurs when the lining of the bowel or skin at the anus tears. Unfortunately, every time you go to the toilet, the tear reopens, causing the underlying muscle to go into spasm, which typically results in sharp pain and prevents healing. Bright red rectal bleeding often accompanies anal fissures, which usually occur after passing a particularly hard or large stool that tears the lining of the anal canal.
Other possible causes of anal fissures include:
- Diarrhoea
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Rarely, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), can damage the anal canal
If you are seeking more information on anal fissures, you can visit the NHS anal fissures page.
Anal Fissure Treatment
Several treatment options for anal fissures are tailored to individual needs, ranging from dietary changes and topical medications to botox injections and surgery. Treatment plans consider the patients overall health, as well as the severity and duration of the symptoms.
Treatment plans include:
Softening the stool: Use laxatives, increase hydration, and add more fibre to the diet.
Reducing pain: Apply painkilling ointments to the anus for temporary relief. Additionally, try sitz baths and over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort.
Easing the underlying muscle spasm: Prevent the anal sphincter from going into spasm, which is crucial for healing the fissure. Use specific ointments, Botox injections into the sphincter, or a minor surgical procedure.
Surgery: In the most intractable cases, various operations may be necessary. These are not common and should be discussed on an individual basis.