Fissure in ano; Anorectal fissure; Anal ulcer DefinitionAn anal fissure is a small split or tear in the thin moist tissue (mucosa) lining the lower rectum (anus). CausesAnal fissures are very common in infants, but they may occur at any age. In adults, fissures may be caused by passing large, hard stools, or having diarrhea for a long time. Other factors may include:
The condition affects males and females equally. Anal fissures are also common in women after childbirth and in people with Crohn disease. SymptomsAn anal fissure can be seen as a crack in the anal skin when the area is stretched slightly. The fissure is almost always in the middle. Anal fissures may cause painful bowel movements and bleeding. There may be blood on the outside of the stool or on the toilet paper (or baby wipes) after a bowel movement. Symptoms may begin suddenly or develop slowly over time. Exams and TestsYour health care provider will perform a rectal exam and look at the anal tissue. Other medical tests that may be done include:
TreatmentMost fissures heal on their own and do not need treatment. To prevent or treat anal fissures in infants, be sure to change diapers often and clean the area gently. CHILDREN AND ADULTS Worrying about pain during a bowel movement may cause a person to avoid them. But not having bowel movements will only cause the stools to become even harder, which can make the anal fissure worse. Prevent hard stools and constipation by:
Ask your provider about the following ointments or creams to help soothe the affected skin:
A sitz bath is a warm water bath used for healing or cleansing. Sit in the bath 2 to 3 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes each time. The water should cover only the hips and buttocks. If the anal fissures do not go away with home care methods, treatment may involve:
Outlook (Prognosis)Anal fissures often heal quickly without any more problems. People who develop fissures once are more likely to have them in the future. ReferencesDowns JM, Kulow B. Anal diseases. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 129. Hyman N, Umanskiy K. Anus. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 53. Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al. Surgical conditions of the anus and rectum. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 392. | |
| |
Review Date: 5/29/2024 Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
| |
Rectum
