The reduced blood flow prevents healing. Medication, Botox injections, and even some topical treatments that improve blood flow may help anal fissures heal. Other treatments include:. The risks from Botox injections and medications used to treat anal fissures are relatively mild. Complications from surgery include the risk for infection, bleeding, and persistent gas and fecal incontinence, or uncontrolled bowel movements. If you have an anal fissure, take these precautions to avoid making it worse and avoid recurrences:.
Ask the doctor: What can I do about an anal fissure?
Beaumont Health | Anal Fissures
Learn more. An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of your anus, or the lower part of your rectum, where stool passes out of your body. There are two main types, the primary symptom of which is pain during bowel movements:. Most anal fissures heal on their own. Often, you can promote pain relief and healing at home with techniques such as these:. If your pain during bowel movements or blood in your stool do not go away, you should see your primary care doctor.
An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the lower rectum anal canal that causes pain during bowel movements. Anal fissures don't lead to more serious problems. Most anal fissures heal with home treatment after a few days or weeks. These are called short-term acute anal fissures. If you have an anal fissure that hasn't healed after 8 to 12 weeks, it is considered a long-term chronic fissure.
Your doctor will likely ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam, including a gentle inspection of the anal region. Often the tear is visible. Usually this exam is all that's needed to diagnose an anal fissure. An acute anal fissure looks like a fresh tear, somewhat like a paper cut.