The differences between stages one, two, and three of anal fissures.

Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on December 03, 2024
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In clinical practice, anal fissures are not categorized into stages one, two, or three; they are primarily classified as either acute or chronic anal fissures. Acute anal fissures, which occur in the early stages of the condition, are characterized by pain during defecation and minor bleeding. For such cases, the pain usually doesn’t last long, and conservative treatment with medication can be chosen. Topical applications such as dragon's pearl ointment or nitroglycerin ointment are generally used. It is also important to keep the anal region dry and clean, perhaps by using anal washes for sitz baths, while ensuring that the stool is soft to maintain smooth bowel movements. Chronic anal fissures, on the other hand, are mainly due to the development of scars on the ulcer surface. This condition involves prolonged pain and may include some narrowing of the anus. In such cases, surgical excision of the fissure may be necessary. Post-surgery treatment may include changing dressings with medications like red oil gauze strips, golden ointment, and anal washes. (Under the guidance of a doctor for medication use)

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Written by Hu Xiang Dang
Colorectal Surgery Department
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What is an anal fissure?

What is an anal fissure? In clinical practice, we often encounter patients asking this question. An anal fissure is a crack in the skin around the anal canal; simply put, it is a split in the skin at the anus. The direction of the split aligns with the direction of the anal skin's folds. Of course, not all cracks in the anal skin are called anal fissures. It is only considered an anal fissure if there is a full-thickness split in the skin at the anus. If it is a superficial skin split, it is referred to as an anal skin laceration or fissuring, such as those caused by certain anal itching diseases, which are in fact fissures in the anal skin. Anal fissures commonly occur at the “anterior and posterior midline” of the anus, which is similar to the directions of 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock as described on a clock face. Doctors often describe these as positions at 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock.

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Written by Li Xiao Jie
Internal Medicine
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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
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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 Hu Xiang Dang
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Is anal fissure serious?

People often ask whether anal fissures are serious and what the consequences might be if they are not treated. Although treating anal fissures is not particularly difficult clinically, many patients, due to a lack of treatment knowledge and awareness of the condition, often delay treatment, which can cause some harm to their health. If an anal fissure is not treated, in addition to the pain during bowel movements and bleeding that the fissure itself causes, over time, it could also lead to conditions such as anal fistula and hypertrophied anal papillae. At the end of the fissure, a sentinel pile may develop. Due to the repeated irritation by fecal matter in an inflamed fissure, a linear ulcer may form. The skin and subcutaneous tissue around the anus might undergo fibrosis, thickening, or. form a hard lump. If the fissure repeatedly becomes infected, it can lead to the development of an anal sinus, and after infection, it may cause subcutaneous fistulas or abscesses. Of course, if an anal fissure persists over time, due to long-term spasm and fibrosis of the internal sphincter, it can lead to consequences such as anal stenosis.

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Written by Li Xiao Jie
Internal Medicine
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What should be paid attention to for anal fissures?

The occurrence of anal fissures is highly related to constipation. Therefore, for patients with anal fissures, treating and preventing constipation is the most important approach. It is advisable to eat more vegetables and fruits, consume fewer spicy and stimulating foods, and reduce the intake of greasy foods. The diet should be light, drink more water, and pay attention to local hygiene. Furthermore, patients with anal fissures should avoid sitting or squatting for long periods to prevent aggravating the condition. If symptoms such as fever, difficulty defecating, or severe pain around the anus occur, it is crucial to visit a hospital for examination to rule out other conditions. Regular participation in physical exercise is recommended to promote intestinal movement and facilitate defecation.