Introduction

Anal fissure (disorder), Nontraumatic tear of anus, Fissure in ano,Ulcer of anus (disorder), anal disorder, anal ulcer unspecified (disorder), anal disease, fissure in ano, Solitary anal ulcer (disorder), anal fissure, anal fissure and fistula,

What is an anal fissure?

An anal fissure is a small cut or tear in the lining of the anus. The crack in the skin causes severe pain and some bright red bleeding during and after bowel movements. At times the fissure is deep enough to expose the muscle tissue underneath.

An anal fissure may occur as a result of childbirth, straining during bowel movements, or long bouts of constipation or diarrhea. Anal fissures can also be the result of certain medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, infection, and cancer. An anal fissure can affect people of all ages, and it’s often seen in infants and young children.

Constipation is a common problem in these age groups. An anal fissure usually isn’t a serious condition. In most cases, the tear heals on its own within four to six weeks. In cases where the fissure persists beyond eight weeks, it’s considered chronic, or long term.Certain treatments can promote healing and help relieve discomfort, including stool softeners and topical pain relievers.

If an anal fissure doesn’t improve with these treatments, surgery may be required.
Or your doctor may need to look for other underlying disorders that can cause anal fissures.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017