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Anal Fissures Treatment

Anal fissures are small tears or splits in the moist, thin tissue surrounding the anus. Anal fissures occur most often in infants and young children because of diaper changes. Numerous other causes result in anal fissures. Treatment for acute anal fissures is possible at home without surgery, but chronic fissures may need surgical treatment.

  1. Causes

    • Anal fissures in infants most often results from diaper usage, but parents should know that an anal fissure might also be the sign of sexual abuse. Doctor's will be able to determine whether the cause is natural or from abuse.

      Anal fissures also result from large, hard stools that stretch the anus. Constipation, long spells of diarrhea, and childbirth are additional causes for anal fissures in adults.

    Identification and Symptoms

    • Parents will notice anal fissures on infants during diaper changes. Adults or potty-trained children will have more difficulty discovering their own anal fissures. Painful bowel movements and blood upon wiping the anus indicate the possibility of an anal fissure. Constipation is another indicator of anal fissures. Individuals may diagnose themselves by looking for a crack in the skin when the skin surrounding the anus is stretched.

    Acute Treatment

    • Most anal fissures are treatable at home by cleansing in a gentler manner, with moist wiping paper and soft strokes. Diet changes to soften stools may also be necessary. Stool softeners may be used for constipation, and anti-diarrheal medication for the treatment of diarrhea. Numbing creams and cut ointments approved for use on anal cavities may assist in healing anal fissure.

      Individuals with anal fissure should seek medical attention if the fissure does not heal or improve within a week of beginning home-treatment methods.

    Chronic Treatment

    • Anal fissures that cannot be treated or healed according to acute treatment methods may require surgical treatment. Surgical treatment may include botox injections or minor surgeries to relax the sphincter muscle surrounding the anus. Relaxing the muscle allows the skin to lay slack and not stretch and crack as easily from bowel movements and other anal-fissure causes. Surgical treatments are typically not used on children.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Frequent and necessary diaper changes will help to prevent anal fissures in infants. Adults may prevent anal fissures by wiping completely with soft toilet paper or moist wipes. Treating constipation and diarrhea as soon as it develops will prevent irritation of the rectum that can lead to anal fissures.

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