Remedies for fissures

A fissure is a small tear or opening in the anal lining. The tear is usually around the anus but can be found on the inside of the anus or around the opening. Fissures are a common cause of anus pain and can also be itchy. It is one of the most painful conditions of the colon (the lower part of the intestine). It causes bleeding and pain.

Fissures most commonly occur during bowel movements. A person who has a fissure may notice pain and bleeding during and after bowel movements. In some cases, the fissures may look like small cuts or cracks in the skin around the anus.

Symptoms of Anal Fissures

Sharp pain in the anal area during bowel movements.
A visible small lump of skin near the tear.
Burning sensation or itching around the anal.
Blood drops on stools or toilet paper after wiping.

Causes of Anal Fissure

Usually, an anal fissure is caused by some type of tension or trauma occurring in the anal canal.
Other causes could be diarrhoea, constipation or high tension in the muscles of the anal sphincter.
Another cause could be difficulty during child delivery.

In some rare cases, anal fissures may lead to anal cancer, herpes, HIV, tuberculosis, etc.

Home Remedies to Treat Anal Fissures

Anal fissures are very painful because you have to pass stool even if you are suffering from a fissure. So it is essential to keep the stools soft and make them pass easily without causing any further fissures.

There are some home remedies that you can try if you are suffering from an anal fissure. Home remedies not only reduce the pain but also help in speedy recovery.

Sitz Baths

Sitting in a bathtub with warm water for some time can ease the conditions around the affected area. Sitz baths may reduce pain but they won't speed up the healing process.

Sitz baths are like plastic tubs and they are to be used by putting them on the top of a toilet and then filling them with warm water. The water will slowly drain down from the tub through a tube.

It is recommended to carry out this technique for about 15 minutes only.

People often use some additives for sitz baths but these should be avoided except if the physician has recommended.

Pro tip: Clean the tub before using it and avoid sitting for too long.

Eat More Fibre

Fibre helps in breaking down food so that stool can pass easily. It can prevent constipation and diarrhoea as well.

When you can easily pass stool, your chances of irritating the fissure will be extremely low.

Some foods rich in fibre are:

Beans
High-fibre bran cereal
Lentils
Chickpeas
Soybeans
Avocado
Pumpkin seeds
Cranberry
Wheat bran flakes

Fibre Supplements

Fibre supplement can be taken when a person is not getting enough fibre throughout the day from food.

Fibre supplements usually come in various forms and can be quite different from each other but there are some common ingredients in each of them like psyllium, methylcellulose and polycarbophil.

When starting with fibre supplements, keep in mind to go at a normal pace and increase the amounts slowly to avoid any side effects. These side effects can be abdominal bloating or gas.

Each one of us is built differently, so you have to do some hits and trials to understand which supplement and at what dosage will be suitable for you.

These fibre supplements are to be taken for a longer period to avail the benefits. They are helpful in treating constipation as well as diarrhoea.

Drink more water

Staying hydrated can help in preventing constipation. Water can make the stool soft and easier to pass.

It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to stay healthy and hydrated.

Some foods with high water content are:

Cucumber
Broccoli
Cabbage
Lettuce
Spinach
Tomato
Watermelon
Zucchini
Celery
Strawberry
Cantaloupe

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is key to preventing numerous health conditions. Physical activities stimulate bowel movements and increase blood flow to all parts of the body. This can speed up the healing process of anal fissures.

How to Prevent Anal Fissures?

People who are prone to developing anal fissures should prevent it at any cost and to do so, they have to prevent constipation and diarrhoea. This is the foremost important trick.

Avoid giving excessive strain during bowel movements. Try to relax the anal muscles to prevent fissures.
Do not hold a bowel movement for too long. This can make the stool hard to pass when you go to the bathroom.

Take Away

Anal fissures can make you uncomfortable and embarrass. They can have a detrimental effect on the quality of your life. These are acute conditions and will heal on their own but sometimes they are extremely painful and therefore it is important to prevent anal fissures at any cost.

If you have tried some home remedies but the results are unsatisfactory, we recommend you to visit your doctor. A physician will give you the correct treatment that might help you in getting better quickly.

Also, indulge in physical exercises to stay active and healthy. Follow a diet rich in nutrients so that conditions like constipation and diarrhoea do not cross your path.