ANAL
FISSURE
The
anus is a very sensitive area with many nerve fibers.
A fissure, or rip in the skin, is a painful tear of the
anal canal which can have several causes. The first
cause is trauma, such as that caused by the passing of a
large stool (e.g., in somebody with constipation).
Passing of large hard stools can cut the anal canal. Other
trauma occurring from injuries or during sexual activities
(like anal sex) are also a common cause of anal fissures.
Inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's
disease can cause anal fissures, as can sexually transmitted
diseases (STD) involving the anus and rectum.
Symptoms
usually include a sharp stabbing sudden anal pain as the
trauma occurs (such as while passing a hard large stool),
followed by discomfort, pain, bleeding, mucous production,
and anal itching.
Treatment
is the same as for hemorrhoids unless an STD is the cause
(in the latter case the STD must be treated as well).
If, after a few weeks of treatment, the fissure has not
healed, surgical repair of the tear may be necessary.
Again, it is always best to discuss your concerns with your
physician if you believe you have this or another disease
involving your gut.
