What is an Anal Fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the lining of the anus that causes severe pain and bleeding during and after bowel movements. Anal fissures are common across all age groups, from infants to adults. Most fissures are acute and heal within a few weeks with conservative care, but some become chronic, lasting more than 8–12 weeks, requiring advanced treatment.
Gallstones can be tiny like sand or as large as a golf ball, and there may be one stone or hundreds. Many people have silent gallstones with no symptoms, while others experience painful attacks and complications.
Types of Anal Fissures
Acute Fissure: Recent onset (<6 weeks), superficial, usually heals with home care
Chronic Fissure: Lasts beyond 8–12 weeks, deeper tear, may have skin tags, harder to treat
Primary Fissure: Caused by local trauma (hard stools)
Secondary Fissure: Linked to underlying conditions (Crohn’s disease, infections, cancer)
Location: Most occur in the posterior midline; lateral fissures may indicate other diseases
Gallstones can be tiny like sand or as large as a golf ball, and there may be one stone or hundreds. Many people have silent gallstones with no symptoms, while others experience painful attacks and complications.
Symptoms
Sharp, tearing pain during bowel movements that can last hours
Bright red blood on stool or toilet paper
Visible tear or crack in the skin around the anus
Itching or irritation around the anal area
Painful spasms of the anal sphincter
Skin tag or lump near the fissure
Reluctance to pass stool, especially in children
Causes
Passing hard or large stools
Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Childbirth trauma
Anal intercourse
Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
Tight anal sphincter muscles reducing blood flow
Recurrent irritation or infections
Prevention
Eat a high-fiber diet (25–30g/day)
Drink plenty of water
Exercise to promote regular bowel movements
Avoid straining and prolonged sitting on the toilet
Keep the anal area clean and dry
Treat diarrhea or constipation promptly
Use gentle, unscented wipes
Risk Factors
Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Childbirth
Anal intercourse
Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases
Tight or spastic anal sphincter muscles
Age (common in infants and middle-aged adults)
History of anal surgery or STIs
Benefits of Anal Fissure Treatment
Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Childbirth
Anal intercourse
Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases
Tight or spastic anal sphincter muscles
Age (common in infants and middle-aged adults)
History of anal surgery or STIs
When to See a Doctor
Severe anal pain with bowel movements
Bleeding lasting more than 1–2 weeks
Increasing pain or bleeding
Fever with anal pain
Recurrent fissures
Risk factors for colorectal disease
Treatment may include stool softeners, topical medications, sitz baths, Botox injections, or surgery. Early intervention prevents chronic fissures and complications.