Can diarrhea cause anal fissures?

Written by Wang Hui Jie

Gastroenterology

Updated on September 04, 2024

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Diarrhea may cause anal fissures. An anal fissure refers to a full-thickness vertical tear in the skin of the anal canal below the dentate line, forming an ischemic ulcer. It is commonly found in young and middle-aged adults, and the exact mechanism of its development is not very clear. It is mainly related to local muscle spasms and infection following injury. The main symptoms include severe, sharp pain during and after bowel movements, along with occasional light, bright red bleeding. There may also be constipation and anal discharge. If the skin of the anal canal is chronically irritated by prolonged diarrhea, causing skin damage, it is very likely to lead to an anal fissure.

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Written by Li Xiao Jie

Internal Medicine

1min 3sec

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Do anal fissures need treatment?

Anal fissures require treatment. If the patient has a very mild case, there is a possibility of self-healing, though this is not very likely. For initial cases, where the fissure is small, one could consider treatment methods such as Chinese herbal fumigation, topical medications, or potassium permanganate sitz baths, all of which can achieve therapeutic effects. If the patient suffers from recurrent long-term episodes, and the fissure is deep, surgical treatment may need to be considered. This condition falls under the category of proctologic diseases. Patients can visit the proctology department where a doctor will examine them and choose an appropriate surgical method. Complete recovery is possible, so there is no need to worry. To prevent this condition, it is important to maintain smooth bowel movements, ensure cleanliness in the affected area, and avoid infections.

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Written by Hu Xiang Dang

Colorectal Surgery Department

2min 23sec

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What is the best treatment for anal fissures?

How should an anal fissure be treated? It can be addressed from several aspects. First, let's talk about general treatment. What is the principle of our treatment? It is to relieve pain after bowel movements and gradually promote the healing of the fissure. However, the first step is to relieve the spasm of the sphincter, then facilitate bowel movements to interrupt the vicious cycle. But what specific measures are there? One is to take a sitz bath with traditional Chinese medicine for pain relief, such as "Shen Soup," and a 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution after defecation, maintaining local cleanliness. Then, by orally taking some laxatives or paraffin oil, feces can be softened and lubricated. Alternatively, by increasing water intake and eating more fiber-rich foods, constipation can be corrected to keep the bowels clear. In more severe cases, such as those with sphincter spasms, we can perform anal dilation under local anesthesia. By dilating the anus, the spasm of the sphincter can be relieved, and the healing of the fissure can also be promoted. However, this method has a relatively high recurrence rate, and there may also be complications such as severe bleeding, perianal abscess, and fecal incontinence. Anal dilation should be treated by a doctor, and patients should not blindly use it themselves. Of course, there is also surgical treatment. Once an anal fissure has reached a certain degree, generally a chronic anal fissure, many patients need to undergo surgical treatment. Naturally, there are several surgical methods available. We choose different surgical methods according to the condition and severity of the anal fissure. For example, if the patient has an anal fissure that presents with sentinel piles and hypertrophic anal papillae, but there is no anal stricture or internal sphincter spasm, a simple excision of the fissure can be performed. This involves removing the pathological tissue of the fissure, excising the infective anal sinus along with the hypertrophic anal papillae and sentinel piles, allowing the fissure wound to drain openly. However, if there is associated anal stricture, or there is an internal sphincter spasm, we also need to perform an internal sphincterotomy.

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Written by Li Xiao Jie

Internal Medicine

51sec

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What is the best treatment for anal fissures?

The treatment of anal fissures depends on the specific situation. For initial onset anal fissures, since the fissure is small, treatment can be achieved through methods such as Chinese herbal fumigation or topical application of medicine. For recurrent anal fissures that have persisted for a longer time, fumigation and washing with medicine are less effective. In such cases, surgical treatment is necessary, and it should be sought at the proctology department of a formal hospital. Anal fissures are greatly related to bowel habits, so it is important to maintain smooth bowel movements by, for example, drinking more water, eating more high-fiber foods, consuming less spicy and stimulating foods, abstaining from alcohol, and avoiding greasy foods.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing

Colorectal Surgery

1min 17sec

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What should I do about anal bleeding and anal fissures?

If a fissure is visible to the naked eye at the anal sphincter during a digital rectal examination, it is primarily considered an anal fissure. Anal fissures generally cause severe local pain and bleeding from the fissure. The fissure is primarily due to the local crack being stretched or opened, causing bleeding from small blood vessels, and the blood from the fissure is usually bright red. To treat bleeding from an anal fissure, it is first necessary to soften the stool, as the occurrence of an anal fissure is mainly related to dry stools and difficulty defecating. Once the stool is lubricated, it can reduce the need to exert excessive force during defecation, lowering the possibility of stretching the local fissure. Topical application of hemorrhoid cream at the fissure, or combined with oral medications that cool the blood and stop bleeding, may be used. If there is repeated bleeding from an anal fissure, surgical treatment is also recommended. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Xiao Jie

Internal Medicine

39sec

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What should not be eaten with anal fissure?

Patients with anal fissures should be cautious with their diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods to prevent exacerbation. They should also consume foods rich in roughage, such as cornmeal, sweet potatoes, celery, leeks, and cabbage, which can facilitate bowel movements and prevent the aggravation of anal fissures due to dry stools. Additionally, alcohol should be avoided as it may dilate blood vessels and lead to increased bleeding. It is essential for patients with anal fissures to maintain smooth bowel movements and avoid sitting or squatting for extended periods.