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What is a Fissure-In-Ano?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A fissure-in-ano or anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, caused by straining the membranes of the anus further than they can comfortably stretch. This condition is extremely common, and there are a number of treatment options available for patients who develop it. In most cases, treatment at home is enough to clear up the problem. In patients who develop chronic fissures, it may be necessary to take some medications to promote more rapid healing.

When a fissure-in-ano develops, the patient usually experiences painful defecation, sometimes with a sharp twinging sensation. Blood or clear fluid may appear and spot toilet paper, and some patients find that their rectums become extremely itchy. In some cases, a hemorrhoid develops along with the fissure-in-ano, and the patient may experience additional discomfort and swelling around the anus.

A sitz bath can help heal anal fissures.
A sitz bath can help heal anal fissures.

Soaking the area in warm water, using a tool like a sitz bath, is usually recommended to soothe the anus and help the patient feel more comfortable. Some patients add salts or other preparations to the water. In addition, adding fiber to the diet and taking stool softeners will make defecation more comfortable and give the anus a chance to heal by reducing stress on the tissue when people use the bathroom. These treatments are often sufficient to resolve the fissure-in-ano at home within three to five days.

In most cases, a doctor will only recommend aggressive treatment after other options have failed.
In most cases, a doctor will only recommend aggressive treatment after other options have failed.

If painful defecation persists or patients start to notice new symptoms, they should seek treatment from a doctor. A general practitioner can often manage care, starting with a patient interview and an examination. The doctor may recommend continuing the conservative treatment and giving it a few more days, or consider adding more aggressive treatment options including medications. In cases where a fissure-in-ano becomes inflamed or infected, it may lead to an abscess, and this could require surgical intervention to drain and clean the abscess.

A person's rectum may become itchy when a fissure-in-ano develops.
A person's rectum may become itchy when a fissure-in-ano develops.

People can reduce their risks of developing this condition by eating a balanced diet high in fiber to regulate bowel movements and keep the intestinal tract healthy. If a patient develops constipation or has difficulty defecating, making dietary changes or seeing a doctor to discuss the use of stool softeners and other treatments can be a good idea. In addition to preventing anal fissures, such measures will also be beneficial for gastrointestinal health. Even with these measures, it is still possible to develop a fissure-in-ano, but the tear will usually be very mild and highly responsive to treatment.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • A sitz bath can help heal anal fissures.
      By: fotoschab
      A sitz bath can help heal anal fissures.
    • In most cases, a doctor will only recommend aggressive treatment after other options have failed.
      By: Monkey Business
      In most cases, a doctor will only recommend aggressive treatment after other options have failed.
    • A person's rectum may become itchy when a fissure-in-ano develops.
      By: graphicgeoff
      A person's rectum may become itchy when a fissure-in-ano develops.
    • When a fissure-in-ano develops, a patient usually experiences painful defecation.
      By: eyeQ
      When a fissure-in-ano develops, a patient usually experiences painful defecation.
    • People may reduce their risks of a fissure-in-ano by eating a diet high in fiber to keep the intestinal tract healthy.
      By: 7activestudio
      People may reduce their risks of a fissure-in-ano by eating a diet high in fiber to keep the intestinal tract healthy.
    • In cases where a hemorrhoid develops along with a fissure-in-ano, some patients may experience extreme discomfort.
      By: vonuk
      In cases where a hemorrhoid develops along with a fissure-in-ano, some patients may experience extreme discomfort.