Anal Fissures Symptoms

An anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the tissue of the anus that causes pain and bleeding during bowel movements. According to the Mayo Clinic, fissures are commonplace in infants six to 24 months old as well as in adults. The majority of anal fissures are treated at home and resolve on their own within weeks.

• Babies are especially susceptible to anal fissures.

Causes

• Doctors are not sure why infants develop fissures but up to 80 percent of babies will experience a tear in the anal area. Adults may have a fissure due to constipation or passing hard stools, and women may be afflicted after childbirth. Geriatric patients likely have decreased blood flow to the area that will cause a split in the thin tissue. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anal sex also may lead to fissures.

Symptoms

• The first indication that an anal fissure has appeared will be pain during a bowel movement and the appearance of blood -- either on the toilet paper or baby wipes or on the stool itself. If the skin is stretched, you will be able to see a crack in the tissue and the area will be tender and irritated. Pain may be coupled with a burning sensation when having a bowel movement. An infant will probably exhibit more discomfort than usual when defecating.

Exams and Treatments

• If you see a doctor for your anal fissures, he will visually examine your anal tissue but avoid a rectal exam if a tear is visible. You can treat the fissure at home by adding more fiber to your diet, drinking more water, and taking over the counter stool softeners to make your stools easier to pass. For pain and irritation relief, take a sitz bath or Epsom salt bath daily. Apply petroleum jelly to the area before eliminating and use medicated topical creams to reduce inflammation.

  For infants, increase cleansing of the area and practice better diaper hygiene by changing the baby more often. If constipation is the cause, discuss changing your baby's diet with your pediatrician to encourage more regular bowel movements.

Prognosis

• Most anal fissures heal quickly and on their own. Once you experience a fissure, you are likely to suffer from them again. If a fissure becomes chronic and does not heal within six weeks, surgical options may be in order. Your doctor may suggest botulinum toxin injections into the anal muscle (sphincter) or surgery to relax the muscle.

Prevention

• To prevent anal fissures, always clean thoroughly and gently with soft cloths. Remember to keep the area dry and avoid irritating clothing. If you or your baby experiences a bout of diarrhea or constipation, take care to promptly address and treat it.