and Treating Mild Anal Fissures: Your Questions Answered

Treatment of mild anal fissures?

About three weeks ago, I suddenly experienced pain while having a bowel movement, and noticed a small amount of bright red blood when wiping.
I didn't think much of it, and after a couple of days of irregular eating, I experienced pain and bleeding again.
Since then, for the past 19 days, I have been eating normally, including vegetables with every meal and drinking enough water.
I have not had any pain or bleeding since then.
However, I still feel a slight discomfort during bowel movements.
It's not as severe as the first two times, but there is a mild stinging sensation, sometimes accompanied by a burning feeling.
Most of the time, it is just a slight stinging; I find it very difficult to describe this sensation, but it is neither severe pain nor itching...
If I had to describe it, I would say it feels like a stinging sensation combined with a foreign body sensation...
I know I am not 100% healed.
I saw a doctor 14 days ago, who diagnosed me with a mild anal fissure and prescribed Alcos-anal Supp.
(益痔康栓劑), which is labeled for hemorrhoids.
After using it for 14 days, I feel basically the same as I did 14 days ago, still experiencing slight stinging and a foreign body sensation.
Therefore, I summarize my questions as follows: 1.
How can I achieve a complete 100% healing? I am not referring to preventing recurrence, but rather hoping to return to the state I was in before I became ill.
2.
Why did the doctor prescribe hemorrhoid medication for my anal fissure? 3.
If I do not see a doctor anymore, will this stinging and foreign body sensation heal on its own? I hope the doctor can help me with these three questions.
Thank you very much!

Chengxin Qijiao de Binghuan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/19

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery

1.
An anal fissure is a tear located in the anal region, and because it is the passage for stool, it is difficult to heal under chronic irritation.
The wound healing process may involve scar tissue formation, and while it cannot be guaranteed to return to its original state, the body will adapt, and it should not have a significant impact.

2.
Hemorrhoid ointments primarily contain local anesthetics for pain relief and anti-inflammatory agents that promote the healing of the anal mucosa, which can also be beneficial for anal fissure wounds.
3.
Adjusting lifestyle habits and diet to maintain normal bowel and gastrointestinal function is essential.
A thorough examination by a relevant specialist is necessary to assess the recovery and healing status.

Reply Date: 2015/07/19

More Info

Understanding and treating mild anal fissures can be a nuanced process, and it’s great that you’re seeking clarity on your condition. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing symptoms consistent with a mild anal fissure, which can be quite uncomfortable but is often manageable with the right approach.

1. Achieving Complete Healing
To achieve a complete recovery from an anal fissure, it’s essential to focus on several key areas:
- Dietary Adjustments: Continue to maintain a high-fiber diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. This helps to soften stools and reduce straining during bowel movements. Drinking plenty of water is also crucial, as hydration aids in stool consistency.

- Stool Softeners: If dietary changes alone are not sufficient, consider using over-the-counter stool softeners. These can help make bowel movements less painful and reduce the risk of further injury to the fissure.

- Topical Treatments: While you have been using Alcos-anal Supp. (which is typically used for hemorrhoids), it may not be specifically targeting the fissure. You might want to discuss with your doctor the possibility of using topical nitroglycerin or calcium channel blockers, which can help relax the anal sphincter and promote healing.

- Warm Sitz Baths: Taking warm baths for about 10-15 minutes several times a day, especially after bowel movements, can help soothe the area and promote healing.

- Avoiding Strain: Ensure that you are not straining during bowel movements. If you feel the urge to go, try to respond promptly to avoid constipation.

If these measures do not lead to improvement, or if the discomfort persists, it may be worth revisiting your healthcare provider for further evaluation. In some cases, chronic fissures may require more advanced treatments, including surgical options.

2. Why Hemorrhoid Medication for Fissures?
The reason your doctor prescribed a medication typically used for hemorrhoids is that many of the symptoms and underlying issues can overlap between hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Both conditions can cause pain, bleeding, and discomfort in the anal area. The medication may help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the anal region, even if it is not specifically targeted at fissures. However, if you feel that the treatment is not effective, it’s important to communicate this to your doctor, who may consider alternative therapies more suited to your specific condition.

3. Will Symptoms Resolve Without Medical Attention?
It is possible for mild anal fissures to heal on their own, especially if you are implementing lifestyle changes such as a high-fiber diet and adequate hydration. However, if you continue to experience discomfort, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Persistent symptoms may indicate that the fissure is not healing properly or that there may be other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Ignoring the symptoms could potentially lead to chronic fissures, which are more difficult to treat and may require more invasive interventions. Therefore, if your symptoms do not improve or worsen, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment plan.

Conclusion
In summary, achieving complete healing from an anal fissure involves dietary management, proper hydration, topical treatments, and possibly further medical evaluation if symptoms persist. It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment effectiveness. With the right approach, many individuals can find relief and return to their pre-illness state.

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