Small tear, cut or crack in the skin lining the anus, especially around the anal opening is called Anal Fissure. The tear or crack on the skin is very painful for the patient and usually causes bleeding and severe pain during and after passing stool. If not treated on time, the fissure can get deep enough to expose the internal muscles and tissues that lie underneath. A fissure is generally not a serious disease and causes no major complications.
There is no age bar to who can be affected by a fissure. An individual of any age, even infants can develop fissure. A fissure is common among infants and young children as constipation ( which is the general cause of fissure ) is common in that age. Usually, the fissure heals on its own within a time of four to six weeks. But if the patient gets no relief till then, the condition is then considered chronic and requires serious medical help.
Symptoms of Anal Fissure
- Visible tear, cut or crack on the thin skin of the anus. It can generally be seen with a naked eye.
- A small lump or skin tag is visible next to the fissure.
- Sharp and severe pain around the anus and affected area. The pain increases during and after bowel movements.
- Blood in stool or on toilet paper.
- Itching, burning or redness around the anal area, especially around the anal opening.
When to See a Doctor?
You need professional help when you observe blood in stool or toilet paper or have pain while passing stool. Bowel movements are not supposed to be painful. But if it hurts, or you feel your skin irritated or stretched out during or after passing stool, consult your doctor. The condition can become worse if not provided the required treatment in time.
Can Anal Fissure cause Colon Cancer?
Many people are of the belief that anal fissure can lead to colon cancer. But it is just a misconception! A fissure can never result in developing Colon Cancer. However, the disease should not be left untreated. If the disease increases, the muscles, and tissues under the tear or cut can be openly exposed, which can cause infection or other complications. But both Anal Fissure and Colon Cancer can affect the individual at the same time. So, if after the treatment for fissure, the patient still observes the symptoms, the doctor may further suggest Colonoscopy to diagnose the condition.
Causes of Anal Fissure
Common causes of a fissure include:
- Frequently passing hard or large stool
- Constipation
- Straining while passing stool
- Anal intercourse
- Damage to the tissues or skin in cases of injury or childbirth
- Chronic Diarrhea
- A low flow of blood to the anorectal part of the body.
- Excessively tight anal sphincter muscles.
At times, a fissure can occur as a result of some other disease such as:
- Anal Cancer
- HIV
- Tuberculosis
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases including Crohn’s Disease
- Syphilis
- Herpes
Who Can have Anal Fissure?
A fissure can affect anyone, adults, teenagers, young children, and even infants. Actually, a fissure is most common among infants, young kids, and elder people. In old age, the blood flow to the anorectal area is often poor, which causes a fissure in most cases. Pregnant female and new moms are also under high risk of getting fissure due to straining during the last few weeks of pregnancy and childbirth.
People with a persistent or previous history of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or IBD are at a high risk of developing fissure. In this stage, the inflammation in the inner side of the intestinal lining makes the skin and tissues around the anal area much more prone to developing fissure.
Patients with frequent or constant complain of constipation are likely to develop fissure at some point.
How is the disease diagnosed?
The doctor will examine the anal area to diagnose the condition. In complicated or severe cases, the rectal exam may be needed to diagnose the disease. In the rectal exam, a thin and light anoscope is inserted to examine the tear. An anoscope can also be used to further inspect the anal canal of the patient.
How can you prevent Anal Fissure?
You can never completely prevent a disease or condition but can sure try the best to save yourself from it. You can still try the below measure to decrease the risk of the disease:
- Keep the anal area clean and dry.
- Clean the anal area gently with a mild soap or warm water. Do not be harsh on the skin.
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
- Eat a fiber-rich diet.
- Have a physically active schedule.
- Avoid sitting on hard surfaces continuously.
- Change the diapers of infants regularly and keep their anal area dry.
- If you are suffering from Diarrhea, get the required treatment immediately.
Treatment of Anal FIssure at Pristyn Care
The traditional way of treating anal fissure was open surgery. In that surgery, the doctor had to make cuts and wide incisions and then remove the lump like structure, if present. The tear or cut is then stitched with stitches. The patient has to stay in the hospital for two to three days post-surgery. The recovery period can be up to fifteen to twenty days. Even during the recovery, the patient faces difficulty passing stool, sitting, lying or even walking because of the stitches.
But you can get relief from a fissure in just 30 minutes and that too with no pain! Pristyn Care provides the most advanced treatment for Anal Fissure. No cuts or stitches are required for the surgery. The patient does not even need to stay in the hospital after the surgery. There are no diet restrictions. The patient can continue with normal life the next day after the surgery. The best part, there is no chance of recurrence of the disease with laser treatment! Contact Pristyn Care for a pain-free, quick and permanent cure for anal fissure.