Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. 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. A chronic fissure may need medical treatment. Anal fissures are a common problem. They affect people of all ages. Anal fissures are caused by injury or trauma to the anal canal. Injury can happen when: Fissures can also be caused by a rectal exam, anal intercourse, or a foreign object. In some cases, a fissure may be caused by a health problem, such as Crohn's disease. Many experts believe that extra tension in the two muscular rings (sphincters) controlling the anus may be a cause of fissures. The symptoms of an anal fissure may include: Sometimes an anal fissure may be a painless wound that won't heal. It may bleed from time to time but cause no other symptoms. A doctor can diagnose an anal fissure based on your symptoms and a physical exam. The exam may include: The doctor may wait until the fissure has started to heal before doing a rectal exam or anoscopy. If an exam needs to be done right away, medicine can be used to numb the area. During an exam, a doctor can also find out whether another condition may be causing the fissure. Having several fissures or having one or more in an area of the anus where fissures usually don't occur can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as inflammatory bowel disease or a weakened immune system. Most anal fissures heal in a few days or weeks with home treatment. But if a fissure lasts more than 8 to 12 weeks, you may need prescription medicines. These may include cream or gel vasodilator medicines or botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. In rare cases, surgery may be needed. The most common surgery is called a lateral internal sphincterotomy. In this procedure, a doctor cuts into part of the internal sphincter to relax the spasm that is causing the fissure. Current as of: October 19, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Current as of: October 19, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com. © 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.Topic Contents
Anal Fissure
Condition Basics
What is an anal fissure?
What causes it?
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
How can you care for yourself at home?
How is an anal fissure treated?
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: October 19, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review BoardAnal Fissure
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.