The anus, the end of the digestive tract, opens to allow the passage of stool. Passing large or hard stools may cause tears in the walls of the anal canal. These tears, referred to as anal fissures, are common for individuals with constipation, people with inflammatory bowel disease and babies between the age of 6 months and 2 years, according to the Mayo Clinic. Anal fissures normally heal within a few weeks without medical treatment. Recognizing the symptoms associated with anal fissures helps increase the likelihood of making lifestyle changes to resolve the condition.
Pain and Irritation
An anal fissure causes pain, especially during a bowel movement. The affected individual may feel a stinging or burning sensation. The pain may resolve itself after the bowel movement and not return until the urge to defecate occurs again. A rectal exam by a physician is painful also. The fissure may also cause uncomfortable itching and irritation to the skin on the outside of the anus.
Cracked Skin
The skin on the anus may appear cracked. The exposed skin in the crack may appear beefy red and irritated. The crack is visible on the outside when manually stretching the skin and is commonly in the middle of the anus, according to Medline Plus. Sometimes the fissure occurs inside the rectum. Physicians can see fissures on the inside with a special scope.
Muscle Spasms
Anal fissures that appear on the inside of the rectum can affect a muscle. If the anal tear involves a muscle, the muscle may spasm and prolong the healing process.
Bleeding
With an anal fissure, bleeding may occur. Bright red blood can appear on the toilet paper after a bowel movement and may appear as streaks on the outside of the stool. All anal bleeding needs an exam by a physician to determine the cause.
Constipation
Constipation is a cause of anal fissures; anal fissures cause constipation. It becomes a viscous cycle. The pain caused by a bowel movement makes individuals not want to use the bathroom. Holding the stool causes the stool to harden and increase the symptoms of the anal fissure. A newly healed fissure may recur during a bout of constipation.
