Superficial Anal Fissures
What Are Superficial Anal Fissures?
Superficial anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus. These tears can be caused by strain during a bowel movement or excessive wiping of the area. They are very painful and can cause a sharp burning sensation during bowel movements. Fissures usually heal on their own within a few weeks, but can cause significant discomfort in the meantime.
Symptoms of Superficial Anal Fissures
Some of the most common symptoms of a superficial anal fissure include:
- Extremely painful bowel movements
- Painful burning sensation during and after bowel movements
- Bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
- Itching and irritation around the anus
Causes of Superficial Anal Fissures
Superficial anal fissures are usually caused by excessive straining during a bowel movement. This is often due to constipation or hard stools. The strain can cause the tissue around the anus to tear, resulting in a fissure. Other causes of anal fissures include childbirth, inflammatory bowel diseases, or anal infections.
Treatments for Superficial Anal Fissures
Most superficial anal fissures will heal on their own within a few weeks. However, there are treatments that can help reduce pain and speed up the healing process. Some of these treatments include:
- OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Keeping the area clean with warm water after bowel movements
- Using a stool softener to make bowel movements less painful
- Applying a topical cream or ointment to relieve pain and promote healing
- In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the fissure
Conclusion
Superficial anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus that can be caused by straining during a bowel movement. They are usually very painful and can cause a burning sensation during and after a bowel movement. Most fissures will heal on their own, but there are treatments that can help reduce pain and speed up the healing process.