How to Avoid Anal Fissures

Anal fissures are tears or cracks on the skin surrounding the anus, resulting in pain, itching, discomfort and sometimes bleeding. Anal fissures are generally caused by chronic diarrhea or hard stool. Often, anal fissures are slow to heal, and for some, they can turn into a chronic recurrence. Suffering from anal fissures is extremely unpleasant, and the best course of action is to avoid them altogether. Luckily, preventing anal fissures is fairly simple with some minor diet and lifestyle changes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fiber supplement
• Petroleum jelly

1. Take warm baths regularly. The warm water will help increase blood flow through your body, including the area around your anus. While in the bath, contract and relax the rectal muscles, as if you're holding in and releasing a bowel movement.

2. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Hard stools, which can cause anal fissures, are often the result of dehydration.

3. Increase your fiber intake. Eat generous servings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If needed, add a fiber supplement to your diet, like Metamucil or Fiberall.

4. Apply Vaseline or another brand of petroleum jelly to your rectum regularly. This will keep the skin supple, so that it will flex rather than break during difficult bowel movements.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek professional medical help if you have an anal fissure that persists for more than three weeks, or if you experience extreme pain and discomfort. While anal fissures rarely cause complications, they may be indicative of a more serious condition.

References

• University of California, San Francisco: Anal Fissures
• Medline Plus: Anal Fissures
• Mayo Clinic: Anal Fissures

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