How are anal fissures treated?

Healing begins with the right diagnosis, and relief comes with the right specialist.

An anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the lining of the anal canal. This often results in pain, bleeding, and difficulty during bowel movements. Though anal fissures can occur in anyone, they are particularly common in infants, postpartum women, and individuals with chronic constipation or diarrhea. Millions of people silently suffer from this painful condition, unaware that proper medical guidance can significantly improve their quality of life. If you’re looking for expert advice, consulting an experienced Best Gastroenterologist in Bangalore, like Dr Vijay Kumar H J, can be a life-changing decision.

Symptoms of Anal Fissures

Recognizing the symptoms early is the first step toward effective treatment and faster healing. Here’s a deeper look at the most common signs of anal fissures:

1. Sharp Pain During or After Bowel Movements

This is the most common and often the first symptom people notice. The pain is usually described as intense, burning, or knife-like, and can last from a few minutes to several hours after passing stool. The fissure (tear) in the anal lining is stretched further when a stool passes, especially if it’s hard or large, causing acute pain. 

2. Bright Red Blood on Toilet Paper or in the Stool

You may see small streaks of bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Sometimes, blood may coat the surface of the stool. Because the tear involves the soft, vascular tissue of the anal canal, bleeding can occur easily when the area is irritated or stretched. The color is bright red because the blood comes from surface capillaries, not deeper veins.

3. A Visible Crack or Tear in the Skin Around the Anus

In some cases, especially with chronic fissures, a visible tear or cut can be seen near the anal opening. This is the actual fissure—a split in the lining of the anal canal. It often looks like a small paper cut or ulcer. A Gastroenterologist in Bangalore like Dr Vijay Kumar H J can confirm the diagnosis through a simple physical examination.

4. A Small Lump or Skin Tag Near the Fissure

Chronic fissures sometimes cause a small skin tag or sentinel pile to form near the tear. It may feel like a small bump or flap of skin. This is a response by the body to prolonged irritation. The lump forms as a protective mechanism, especially if the fissure hasn’t healed properly over time.

5. Itching or Irritation in the Anal Area

You may feel persistent itching, tingling, or general discomfort around the anus, especially after bowel movements. As the fissure heals (or reopens), the skin becomes inflamed and irritated. Moisture, wiping, and ongoing spasms of the sphincter muscle can further contribute to the itching sensation.

Causes of Anal Fissures

1. Chronic Constipation and Straining: Constant straining during bowel movements increases pressure in the anal canal, leading to tears in the lining.
2. Passing Large or Hard Stools: Large or hard stools can stretch the anal opening forcefully, causing the delicate tissue to crack or tear.
3. Chronic Diarrhea: Frequent loose bowel movements irritate the anal lining and increase the risk of tearing due to constant friction and inflammation.
4. Anal Intercourse: This can cause physical trauma to the anal canal, especially if lubrication is inadequate or if the tissue is already sensitive or inflamed.
5. Childbirth: The pressure and stretching during vaginal delivery can affect the rectal and anal areas, sometimes resulting in fissures.

Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments

If conservative treatments fail, your gastroenterologist may suggest advanced but non-invasive options:

1. Botulinum Toxin Injections

Botox can be injected into the anal sphincter muscle to reduce spasms and promote healing. It is a minimally invasive procedure with promising results.

2. Biofeedback Therapy

This therapy helps patients learn how to relax their pelvic floor muscles, which can be especially useful in chronic or recurring fissures.

Recovery and Aftercare 

Post-treatment care is essential for ensuring full recovery and preventing recurrence. Follow these tips:

1. Maintain a fiber-rich diet

A high-fiber diet helps soften stools and promotes smooth bowel movements, reducing pressure on the healing fissure.

2. Drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily

Proper hydration supports digestion and prevents constipation, which is a major trigger for fissures.

3. Avoid straining during bowel movements

Straining can reopen healing tissue, so it’s important to allow stools to pass naturally without force.

4. Follow up with your Gastroenterologist in Bangalore regularly

Regular checkups with specialists like Dr Vijay Kumar H J ensure proper healing and allow timely intervention if needed.

5. Adhere strictly to prescribed medications or topical treatments

Consistently using doctor-recommended treatments helps reduce symptoms, relax the sphincter, and promote faster recovery.

Conclusion

Anal fissures, though painful and often uncomfortable to discuss, are highly treatable when addressed early with the right medical care. From dietary changes to advanced medical treatments, effective solutions are available to help patients regain comfort and confidence in their daily lives. Consulting a trusted Best Gastroenterologist in Bangalore like Dr Vijay Kumar H J ensures you receive expert diagnosis, compassionate care, and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition.