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What is Anal Fissure?
An anal fissure (fissure-in-ano) is a small, oval shaped tear, crack or ulcer in skin that lines the opening of the anus. Anal fissures are common, both in adults and in children. They are not usually serious, but they are sore and can be distressing, particularly for children.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.
Recovery Time
In most people the fissure heals within 1-2 weeks or so, just like any other small cut of the skin. Some fissures take longer to heal.Diagnosis
An anal fissure is diagnosed using a number of tests including:- Physical examination
- Inspection of the anus and rectum with a slender instrument (anoscope)
FAQs prepared by doctor
1. What are anal fissures?An anal fissure (fissure-in-ano) is a small, oval shaped tear, crack or ulcer in skin that lines the opening of the anus.
2. What are the types of anal fissure?
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.
3. Is it more common in adults or children?
Anal fissures are common, both in adults and in children. They are not usually serious, but they are sore and can be distressing, particularly for children.
4. What are the foods which need to be avoided?
Foods with white flour and white sugar should not be consumed. This includes biscuits, cakes, pastries, as these foods decrease the intestinal motility and aggravates constipation.
Rice, cheeses, preservatives are also unhealthy. One shall consume high fiber diet.
5. What to do when one is suffering from anal fissure?
One shall drink plenty of Water, exercise regularly and shower daily and keep buttocks area clean throughout the day after each bowel movement. Increase daily Dietary Fiber intake. In severe pain use a Sitz Bath (the rectal area is immersed in warm water for approximately 10 to 15 minutes two to three times) daily to help relieve pain and to clean the anus.
6. Does an anal fissure increase the risk of colorectal cancer?
An anal fissure does not increase risk of developing colorectal cancer. But since both conditions can produce bleeding as a symptom, it’s important to determine whether cancer may also be present. After treating anal fissure (thus resolving any bleeding related to the fissure itself), screen for colorectal cancer with a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), which tests for the presence of blood in the stool.