Anal health is an often neglected but important issue. Anal fissure is a problem that occurs in this sensitive area and can be a disturbing situation for many people. Anal fissure refers to a small tear or crack in the skin around the anus. This condition may occur as a result of conditions such as straining during defecation, constipation, diarrhea or childbirth. Symptoms of anal fissure may include severe pain in the anus area, burning sensation, bleeding and pain during defecation. These symptoms can negatively affect a person’s daily life and reduce their quality of life.
What causes anal fissure?
Anal fissure is defined as a small tear or crack in the skin around the anus. This condition usually occurs as a result of strain, irritation or tearing of the tissues in the anus area. Factors that cause the formation of anal fissures may be:
- Constipation may require frequent straining during defecation. This can cause the tissues around the anus to stretch and crack.
- In case of frequent diarrhea, the stool may be softer, but this can also cause irritation and cracks in the anus area.
- The birth process may cause the tissues in the anus area to expand and strain, which may increase the risk of anal fissures.
- Excessive strain and friction during anal intercourse can cause cracks around the anus.
- Constantly experiencing constipation can increase the risk of anal fissures by causing frequent straining.
- Insufficient intake of fibrous foods may cause hardening of the stool and difficulty during defecation, which may promote the formation of anal fissures.
- Intestinal problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases can affect stool consistency and increase the risk of anal fissures.
- With age, skin elasticity may decrease, leading to a greater risk of stretch marks in the anus area.
Anal fissure usually manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, bleeding and itching. Treatment can often include home measures, but if the condition is severe or persists for a long time, it is important to see a healthcare professional. The specialist will evaluate appropriate treatment options and recommend medications or surgery if necessary.
How to cure anal fissure?
Healing anal fissure usually starts with measures to be taken at home. However, in the case of a severe or long-lasting anal fissure, it is important to be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Some general measures that can help relieve anal fissure:
- Consuming fibrous foods can reduce the pain associated with anal fissures by making the stool soft. It is important to include vegetables, fruits, whole grain products and enough water.
- Drinking adequate amounts of water daily can help make stools softer and reduce straining.
- Delaying the need to go to the toilet may increase strain during defecation. It is important to go to the toilet immediately when you need it.
- Sitz baths involve sitting in hot water to cleanse and relax the anal area. These baths can ease the discomfort associated with anal fissures.
- Topical creams recommended by a healthcare professional can help soften and heal the skin around the anus. However, a specialist should be consulted before self-medication.
- Fiber supplements can help make stool soft. However, a healthcare professional should be consulted before using these supplements.
- Stool softeners recommended by a healthcare professional can be used to make stools softer.
- In cases of constipation, precautions and medications recommended by a healthcare professional can be used.
If anal fissure symptoms do not ease with measures taken at home or are severe, it is important to contact a healthcare professional. The specialist will evaluate the situation and recommend appropriate treatment options. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required, but in most cases, anal fissures can be treated with measures taken at home and medical treatment.
What is good for anal fissure?
Anal fissure is defined as tearing of the skin in the anal area. This tear may occur due to strain during defecation or pressure on the anal area. Anal fissure is a condition that is usually painful and accompanied by bleeding. Natural methods for treating anal fissures are as follows:
- Consuming fibrous foods: Fibrous foods help soften the stool and make defecation easier. This may accelerate the healing of anal fissure. Examples of fibrous foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes.
- Drinking plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water helps soften the stool and make defecation easier. This may accelerate the healing of anal fissure. It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
- Taking a sitz bath: A sitz bath can help relax the anal area and reduce pain. To take a sitz bath, fill a basin with warm water and sit in it. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and then pat dry.
- Using aloe vera: Aloe vera has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera applied to anal fissures can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Using castor oil: Castor oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Castor oil applied to anal fissures can help reduce pain and inflammation.
It is important to consult your doctor before trying any of these methods. The exact solution to anal fissure may vary depending on the size and degree of the fissure. In mild cases, the crack can heal spontaneously with the natural methods mentioned above. However, if the crack is severe or has been going on for a long time, surgical treatment may be required.
Is it good to apply olive oil to the anal fissure?
Applying olive oil to the anal fissure may be good. Olive oil has emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil applied to anal fissures can help soften the fissure and reduce pain. To use olive oil, dip a cotton ball in olive oil and apply it to the anal fissure. You can repeat this process several times a day. Olive oil may help speed up the healing of anal fissures. However, it is important to consult your doctor before using olive oil.