An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) that lines the anus. The crack in the skin causes severe pain and some bright red bleeding during and after bowel movements. Anal fissures typically cause pain and bleeding with bowel movements. Anal fissures are very common in young infants but can affect people of any age. Most anal fissures get better with simple treatments, such as increased fiber intake or sitz baths. Some people with anal fissures may need medication or, occasionally, surgery.
Symptoms
- Pain, sometimes severe, during bowel movements
- Pain after bowel movements that can last up to several hours
- Bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper after a bowel movement
- a visible tear in the skin around anus
- A small lump or skin tag on the skin near the anal fissure
Causes
- Passing large or hard stools
- Constipation and straining during bowel movements
- Chronic diarrhoea
- straining during childbirth
Less common causes of anal fissures include:
- Crohn’s disease or another inflammatory bowel disease
- Anal cancer
- HIV
- Tuberculosis