What it is
It is often caused by passing hard or large stools, but can also follow diarrhoea, childbirth or, less often, other bowel conditions.
Keeping stools soft with fibre and fluids helps healing. Creams that relax the anal muscle may be prescribed; fissures that do not heal can be treated with injections or a small operation.
Common signs
- Sharp pain when passing stools
- A burning or aching pain afterwards
- Bright red blood on the toilet paper or stool
How it is usually diagnosed
- A doctor can usually see the fissure by gently examining the area
- Further tests if it does not heal or if there are other bowel symptoms
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Notes from examinations and the treatments tried, with dates
- Colorectal clinic letters
- Operation notes if surgery was needed
Questions to ask your doctor
- How long should healing take?
- How should I use the prescribed cream, and what side effects can it have?
- What happens if it does not heal?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Heavy bleeding or bleeding with dizziness
- Severe pain with fever or a swelling near the anus
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.