Anal Fissures

Anal Fissures

An anal fissure is an anal tear, crack or ulcer in the lining of the anal canal - a cut or tear in the anus that extends into the anal canal. It is a common cause of red blood in the stool (feces) and toilet paper. According to rectal (colorectal) doctors, approximately one tenth of all their patient visits are for anal fissures. Patients commonly feel pain during and after a bowel movement.

Although most anal fissures are less than one centimeter across, the anus is an extremely sensitive part of the body, pain symptoms tend to be worse than one would expect from such a small tear.

Anal fissures can affect people of any age or sex equally. It is the most common cause of rectal bleeding in babies and children. Some children may find the sight of bright red blood in stools and toilet paper distressing.

In most cases, anal fissures resolve without the need for medical treatment or surgery. Topical creams and/or suppositories and OTC painkillers may help with symptoms. Some people, however, may experience chronic (long-term) problems if the lesion fails to heal properly.

An anal fissure that lasts less than six weeks is called an acute anal fissure. A chronic anal fissure has symptoms for longer than six weeks. A primary anal fissure has not identifiable cause, while a secondary anal fissure does have an identifiable cause.

What are the signs and symptoms of an anal fissure?

The patient feels and describes a symptom, while other people, including the physician or nurse detect a sign. For example, headache may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign.The main signs and symptoms of an anal fissure include:

Pain - especially when going to the toilet (passing stools). During the passing of a stool the pain is sharp, and then afterwards there may be a longer deep burning sensation.

Fear of pain may put some patients off going to the toilet, increasing their risk of having constipation. Unfortunately, after delaying going, when the person does go there is likely to be more pain and tearing because the stools will be harder and larger.

Some people may experience a sharp pain when they clean themselves with toilet paper.

Blood - because the blood is fresh, it will be bright red and may be noticed on the stools or the toilet paper. Anal fissures in infants commonly bleed. Children may be alarmed at the sight of bright-red blood in their stools or toilet paper.

Itching - in the anal area. The sensation may be intermittent or persistent.

Dysuria - discomfort when urinating (less common). Some patients may urinate more frequently.

Pus - a malodorous (bad smelling) discharge of pus may come from the anal fissure.

Causes

The most obvious cause of an anal fissure is direct trauma to the anal canal. Childbirth, anal intercourse and insertion of any foreign bodies into the anal canal can cause a fissure.

Chronic constipation and diarrhoea can also cause an anal fissure by repeatedly straining the lining of the anus.

In the vast majority of cases, an underlying cause is chronic tension in a muscular ring, called the internal anal sphincter, that surrounds the anal canal. Emotional stress causes the autonomic nervous system to gear up to fight or flight response. One of the consequences of being chronically amped for a fight or flight response is a tense and dysfunctional gastrointestinal tract, which includes a taut internal anal sphincter. If the internal anal sphincter is chronically tense, blood flow to this region is reduced. Reduced blood flow causes the lining of the anus to become more susceptible to tearing. Reduced blood flow to the anus also makes it harder for a fissure to heal.

This is why some people tear relatively easily when they try to pass hard stools, while others don't develop a fissure even when chronically constipated, The tone of the internal anal sphincter largely determines if an anal fissure will develop when the anal canal is excessively stretched.

Lack of exercise and sitting down too much can result in poor circulation which can also result in reduced blood flow to the anus.

Nature Cures Anal Fissures

Avoid soap Wash anal area with warm or hot water without the use of soap or other personal care products. Regular use of soap can cause the lining of the anal canal to become dry, predisposing it to tears when stretched excessively.

Coconut oil If the anal sphincter is dry or there is an existing fissure, use coconut oil to moisturize the area. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for all of the body's linings and it has healing properties for wounds. Some health practitioners in Indonesia have long used coconut oil to effectively treat bed sores and other skin lesions. It's best to apply it to the area throughout the day and before going to bed.

Tea tree oil and aloe vera. Take a hot bath daily in tea tree oil or aloe vera to help relax the muscles around the anus and increase blood flow. Tea tree oil and aloe vera are natural cleaners and have anti bacterial properties to prevent infection.

Posted in: Anal Fissures