Anal fissures are a common but often misunderstood health condition. Although they are prevalent, they are often shrouded in misinformation that can complicate treatment and delay recovery. The purpose of this article is to educate you by providing fact-based information on anal fissures by tackling 5 common fissure myths and replacing fear with fact. If you have anal fissure symptoms, or if you just want to learn more about anal fissures, this article is a guide to understand what anal fissures are, expert advice, and practical steps you can take to optimize your digestive and rectal health.
Myth 1: Fissures Only Affect the Elderly
The Reality:
Although older adults may experience fissures as a result of their skin losing its elasticity and the slower healing response associated with normal aging, age is not the only factor influencing the occurrence of anal fissures. Anal fissure development may occur at any period of life. In fact, a young adult or child could develop anal fissures.
Fissures are caused by a tear in the anal lining and are most often the result of a hard or dry stool, excessive diarrhea, or excessive straining. These conditions have no boundaries when it comes to age. For example, an infant may develop fissures when experiencing diaper rash or constipation, while a young active adult may experience them due to intense physical activity or eating a fiber deficient diet.
Key Takeaway:
Fissures are not age specific. Understanding this may lead individuals to seek treatment in a timely manner, regardless of their age.
Myth 2: Anal Fissures Are Always Caused by Constipation
The Reality:
Constipation is certainly a main cause of anal fissures, but it is not the only one. Many times repeated episodes of diarrhea can irritate the anal lining and lead to a tear. Other factors include:
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Diseases such as Crohn’s disease can compromise the integrity of the intestinal lining and lead to fissures.
- Childbirth: The physical stress of birth can lead to rectal tear.
- Anal trauma: Any injury during medical exams or anal intercourse can result in anal fissures.
Key Takeaway:
Understanding the variety of causes can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better-targeted treatment plans.
Myth 3: Surgery Is the Only Cure
The Reality:
Many individuals are apprehensive about learning that they have a fissure because they believe it requires surgery. Most fissures will actually heal on their own or need the help of conservative care. If you do not have a fissure, the following non-surgical treatments may help.
- Warm Sitz Baths: Sitting in a warm soak for 10-15 minutes that allows the anal area to soak for absorption of the warm water can relax the muscles and allow it to heal.
- Topical Ointments: Nitroglycerin or calcium channel blockers ointments that can decrease pain and help with blood flow.
- Fiber Supplements: By increasing your dietary fiber, the stool will be softer, and easier to pass.
- Lifestyle Changes: Drinking more water, exercising more, and learning proper bowel habits can help in preventing future tears.
Surgery (such as lateral internal sphincterotomy) is typically reserved for chronic fissures that don’t respond to non-invasive treatments.
Key Takeaway:
Don’t assume the worst. There are several effective treatment options before surgery is even considered.
Myth 4: All Rectal Pain Means You Have a Fissure
The Reality:
Anal pain is a sign of numerous conditions. Assuming that anal pain is due to a fissure is a common misperception that can prevent a valid diagnosis and appropriate treatment of other conditions. Here are some examples of other conditions:
- Hemorrhoids: swollen blood vessels (veins) in the rectum that you might feel or see, and can cause pain and/or bleeding.
- Perianal Abscess: a painful pus-filled infection in the soft tissue near the anus.
- Rectal Prolapse or Cancer: not common, but definitely possible and could be an emergency situation.
Typically, fissure pain is sharp and can occur during a bowel movement or for some time afterwards, and may be associated with bright red blood noted on the stool or toilet paper.
Either way, it’s best practice for all people with anal pain to speak with their health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Key Takeaway:
Never self-diagnose rectal pain. Professional evaluation is crucial for accurate treatment.
Myth 5: Fissures Are a Sign of Poor Hygiene
The Reality:
Fissures are not the result of poor hygiene. In fact, over-cleaning or using harsh soap to clean the sensitized skin around the anus can be harmful and does not help heal. Some people shamefully and excessively use antibacterial products or wipe to try to compensate, but this can exacerbate fissures. Good hygiene in this case means gently washing with water or very mild unscented soaps.
Key Takeaway:
Hygiene matters, but moderation is key. Avoid products that dry out or damage sensitive skin.
Why Busting Fissure Myths Matters
Countering fissure stigmas isn’t just about dispelling fissure myths, it relates to how people access treatment and deal with the condition. Misinformed patients can often:
- Put off seeking treatment due to fear of surgery or embarrassment
- Attempt self-treatment that can be detrimental
- Suffer unnecessarily because they don’t understand the symptoms.
By informing and providing evidence-based information, we can remove stigma, and create proactive engagement in healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can diet alone heal a fissure?
A fiber-rich diet can help prevent and facilitate healing, but it is recommended to be used in conjunction with hydration, proper bowel habits, and possibly medical creams or sitz baths.
2. How long does it take for a fissure to heal?
Acute fissures are typically healed within 4-6 weeks. Chronic fissures may take months of sustained treatment, or the inconvenience of medical treatment, to make improvement.
3. Are fissures contagious?
No. Fissures are mechanically induced injuries, not due to bacteria or viruses, so it is impossible to pass them along.
4. Do fissures always come back?
Not necessarily. Those who change their lifestyle can prevent repeat injuries. Though those with chronic bowel issues may be more likely to injure themselves again.
5. When should I see a doctor?
If you are in persistent pain, notice bleeding or don’t see improvement after a few weeks of treatment at home, speak with a medical provider to rule out anything more serious.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fissure Myths Delay Your Healing
When it concerns our health, facts will always defeat folklore. Linking to and believing a few of these common fissure myths, may cause your fissure-related suffering to feel ten times worse and make you resistant to seeking help and proper care. Anal fissures can be treated and are usually of short duration if they receive timely and appropriate treatment. When you understand the real reasons, symptoms and treatment options, you can take control of your own health, and find the necessary support, without shame.
Next time you hear about fissure myths, you will know better, and you may even be able to help someone else along their path to healing.
Better knowledge. Better health.
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