An anal fissure as a small tear or cut in the mucosal lining of the anus. Causes of the condition in adults include constipation, extended periods of diarrhea and decreased circulation to the rectum due to increased age. Children may be affectedi, too, with nearly 80 percent of infants sufferng from anal fissures, says MedlinePlus. Almost all cases of anal fissures heal on their own without invasive treatment. A variety of home treatment methods decrease symptoms and promote healing to the anus.
Cleansing and Sitz Baths
Cleansing is important when an anal fissure is present. Infants' rectal areas should be kept clean and diapers changed promptly. Patients should soak the rectal area by taking a tub bath or sitz bath to soothe irritation to the anal area. A sitz bath is a plastic bowel shaped similar to an upside down hat. It is placed on top of the toilet and filled with warm water. The patient rests his bottom in the sitz bath for about 20 minutes as often as needed. Any water overflow will fall into the toilet.
High Fiber Diet and Hydration
When suffering from anal fissure it is critical to not become constipated. Passing hard stools will not allow the anal fissure to heal. High fiber diets are recommended, according to the National Institutes of Health. Fiber should be added to the diet gradually to reduce the incidence of increased gas and diarrhea, suggests MedlinePlus. Foods high in fiber include beans, cereals, fruits and vegetables. The ideal amount of daily fiber is 10 to 15 g per day, for the average adult. If a person has difficulty reaching the daily recommended amount of fiber, fiber supplements may be administered. Hydration is equally important; a person should increase water intake throughout the day to prevent constipation and hard stools. MedlinePlus recommends drinking eight glasses of water a day.
Medications and Surgery
Though nearly 90 percent of anal fissures heal with simple treatment methods, some chronic anal fissures require additional treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health, application of topical glyceryl trinitrate ointment relaxes the internal anal sphincter. The agency reports that nearly 80 percent of chronic fissures are healed with a twice daily application of 0.2 percent glyceryl trinitrate ointment. Still, if the fissures remain a surgical procedure to relax the anal fissure may be required. Botox injections may also be beneficial causing muscle paralysis within hours and results last about four months, allowing the fissure to heal.
