Treatment anal fissures: how to cure anal fissures. Trauma or
injury can stretch the anal canal and create a tear in the lining
of the anus. These tears, known as anal fissures, usually come
from passing large or hard stools. They can cause pain and
bleeding during and after bowel movements. The goal of treatment
is to relieve pain and discomfort, and heal the torn lining.
Self-Care: If your fissures are caused by constipation or
diarrhea, you can change a few habits to help lessen the strain
on the anal canal. These steps can help relieve symptoms and
encourage healing in most cases.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of
caffeine-free fluids throughout the day. Eat a fiber-rich diet.
To avoid constipation, your goal should be to get 20 to 35 grams
of fiber every day. Try fiber supplements if you can’t get enough
fiber from food. They can help soften stools and make you more
regular. To avoid gas and cramping, gradually raise the amount of
any fiber supplement you take until you reach the recommended
dose. Over-the-counter laxatives may help if adding more fiber to
your diet does not. Before taking any laxatives, ask your doctor
what she suggests. Don’t ignore your urge to go. Putting off
bowel movements for later can lead to constipation; stools may
become harder to pass and end up causing pain and tearing. Don’t
strain or sit on the toilet too long. This can incerase pressure
in the anal canal. Gently clean and dry your anal area after each
bowel movement. Avoid irritants to the skin, such as scented
soaps or bubble baths. Get treatment for chronic constipation or
ongoing diarrhea. Sitz baths, or hip baths, can promote healing
of an anal fissure. By soaking the rectal area in a tub of warm
water — two or three times a day for 10 to 15 minutes — you can
clean the anus, improve blood flow, and rexal the anal sphincter.
Medications for Treating Anal Fissures Nitrate ointment: Your
doctor may prescribe one of these to help raise blood flow to the
anal canal and sphincter, which helps fissures get better faster.
Calcium channel blockers: These are blood pressure-lowering
medications. Some of the topical ones can treat anal fissures,
too. Side effects may include headaches. Botox injections: When
topical treatments don’t work, injecting botulinum toxin type A
(Botox) into the sphincter is sometimes the next step.