Anal fissures are a common ailment that is not well-known. These tiny tears can cause great discomfort.
This page will discuss in detail what Anal fissures are, how they are diagnosed and treated, as well as some prevention tips you can try to help avoid them in the future.
#1 About Anal Fissures
Anal fissures occur when the skin around the anus is torn or cut. Women are more likely to develop anal fissures than men, but they can happen to both genders at any age.
A common cause of anal fissures is chronic constipation. When you are not passing stool regularly, the hard stools can put a lot of pressure on your anus and tear the skin there. You may be able to make changes to your diet in order to relieve this pressure and avoid further tearing. Sitting on hard surfaces for long periods of time puts direct pressure on the rectal area, so it’s important to change positions often when sitting down for prolonged periods (e.g., at work).
#2 Symptoms
The main symptom of anal fissures is pain and discomfort. This can be a sharp, burning sensation that occurs when you pass stool, and it may persist for hours afterwards. You may also see blood on your toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after having a bowel movement. Other symptoms include itching, irritation, and a feeling of fullness in the rectum.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to see your doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Anal fissures can often be treated successfully with simple measures such as lifestyle changes and medications or else anal fissure treatment. However, if they are left untreated, they may lead to further complications such as infection or abscesses.
#3 Causes
There are a number of possible causes, including:
- Passing a large, hard stool, which can cause excessive pressure and friction on the delicate skin around your anus
- Constipation or diarrhoea – both occasional and frequent
- Sitting for long periods of time, especially on a hard surface, as this puts direct pressure on the anal area
- In some cases, anal fissures may be present from birth, but they are more commonly seen in adults
#4 How to treat anal fissures
Most anal fissures can be treated with simple measures such as lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes may include:
- Eating a high-fibre diet to help soften your stools and make them easier to pass
- Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to keep your bowels moving regularly
- Taking regular exercise to promote good bowel health
- Using moist toilet paper or baby wipes instead of dry toilet paper after you go to the bathroom (this will help soothe any irritation)
- Avoiding sitting for prolonged periods
- Avoiding sitting on a hard surface
Medications that may be prescribed for anal fissures include stool softeners, topical anaesthetics (to numb the area), and muscle relaxants. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary in order to correct the problem.
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort from anal fissures, it is essential to seek medical help as soon as possible. However, if left untreated, anal fissures may lead to further complications. So please don’t hesitate to get in touch with The Haemorrhoid Clinic if you have any questions or concerns about this condition.