A small tear in the lining of the anus is known as an anal fissure. The complication is often painful during or after a bowel movement and causes bleeding. The fissure may be caused by passing hard stool, anal trauma or inflammation of the anus due to inflammatory bowel disease. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, 90 percent of anal fissures are cured with non-operative procedures. A variety of natural treatments allow an anal fissure to heal without the use of medications.
Step 1
Consume foods high in fiber. Aim at slowly increasing fiber over several days. Eat fiber-rich cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables and a variety of lentils. According to MedlinePlus, the average adult should consume between 10 and 15 mg of fiber daily. Take a fiber supplement if you are having difficulty reaching optimal daily fiber levels.
Step 2
Drink plenty of water to soften stools and make them easier to pass when having a bowel movement. Aim at drinking one glass of water per hour, for a total of eight 8 oz. glasses a day. Avoid coffee, soda and other caffeinated beverages, which cause increased dehydration.
Step 3
Soak the rectal area in a warm bath for 10 to 20 minutes for relief after having a bowel movement. Use a sitz bath if taking a tub bath is not available. Avoid adding soap or fragranced bubble bath to prevent increased irritation.
Step 4
Wipe the rectal area after having a bowel movement with wet tissues and not dry tissue, recommends MotherNature.com. Using dry tissue increases irritation and prevents healing. Keep a small spray bottle of water next to the toilet to moisten toilet paper or simply purchase flushable wet wipes at the grocery store.
Step 5
Add a bit of petroleum jelly about ½ inch into the rectum prior to having a bowel movement. The ointment will make the bowel movement less painful and prevent the anal fissure from continuing to tear.
Tips and Warnings
- Anal fissures occasionally take several weeks to heal. Still, many heal naturally without the involvement of surgical procedures.
- Remember to gradually increase fiber intake. Sudden large increases of fiber in the body cause increased gas and diarrhea to occur. Visit a medical professional if heavy bleeding occurs when having a bowel movement. Rectal bleeding often indicates a more serious disorder, including rectal cancer.
Things You'll Need
- High-fiber foods
- Fiber-rich cereals
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lentils
- Fiber Supplement
- Water
- Sitz bath
- Wet tissues
- Spray bottle
- Flushable wet wipes
- Petroleum Jelly
