An anal fissure is a tear or sore that develop in the lining of the anal canal.

It can be acute, where symptoms clear up in less than 6 weeks, or chronic, if you have prolonged symptoms.

 

Symptoms may include:

- Pain when passing stool

- Bright red blood on toilet paper after passing a stool

 

Causes:

- Constipation

- Chronic diarrhoea

- Childbirth

- Inflammatory conditions of the bowel

 

Treatment:

Make sure you take steps to prevent constipation - this includes a healthy diet and drinking a lot of water.

Eating a low residue diet (a diet that doesn’t form a lot of stool), can speed up the healing process – this will prevent frequent pass of stools passed the fissure.

Taking sitz baths can help to prevent infection of the fissure.

If infection is present, you will need to take antibiotics.

 

Please consult your doctor if you have any symptoms.