Pain Relief & Healing of Chronic Fissures
A chronic fissure is a medical issue involving the skin around the anus and can cause substantial pain and discomfort, especially during bowel movements. Most anal fissures will heal on their own, although some become chronic and require surgical treatment. While the surgery will provide pain relief, there are also home treatments that can make chronic fissures more tolerable.
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The Facts
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Anal fissures are small tears which develop in the lining of the anal canal. These tears can be caused by hard stools or difficult bowel movements. Adults and infants between the ages of 6 and 24 months are most likely to be affected by anal fissures. According to the Mayo Clinic, anal fissures lasting more than six weeks are considered chronic.
Identification
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Anal fissures may cause bleeding and pain especially during bowel movements. The skin around the anus may be visibly cracked or irritated. Chronic anal fissures will often have a small lump present near the tear which is known as a skin tag or a sentinel pile.
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Considerations
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The inflammation and discomfort of chronic fissures can be alleviated through the use of medicated creams and suppositories. Over the counter creams containing hydrocortisone such as Preparation H may be used or your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream such as Anusol. Soaking the affected area in a sitz bath for 10 to 20 minutes at least once a day can also provide pain relief. These baths should consist of warm water with no added soap.
Treatment
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According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, over 90 percent of anal fissures will heal without surgery. The surgery used to treat chronic anal fissure consists of cutting the anal sphincter in order to reduce pain and speed healing. In some cases, the fissure and sentinel pile will be removed during this surgery. The pain of chronic fissures may vanish within days of undergoing surgery but complete healing takes a few weeks.
Prevention/Solution
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Chronic anal fissures can be prevented by avoiding constipation. This can be done by increasing fiber intake, drinking water often and engaging in regular exercise. Avoid straining during bowel movements as this can make the anal fissures worse which will slow healing and increase pain. Healed fissures can reopen due to difficult bowel movements, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to avoid recurring problems.
Misconceptions
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According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, chronic anal fissures do not increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Your doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the source of anal bleeding if it continues after the anal fissures have healed.
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