An anal fissure is a crack or "fissure" in the anus. The crack is generally caused by trauma, but can also be caused by a health related issue. This fissure is generally very painful and may bleed, itch, or otherwise irritate you, especially when you are having a bowel movement. This is due to the great amount of nerves that are surrounding this area of your body. Thankfully, this fissure can be treated using several medical remedies. The remedies start out more basic, but if these don't seem to work for you, then surgery may be a future option. This article will discuss 3 ways to treat an anal fissure. 

Softened Stool

Because having a bowel movement is one of the most painful aspects of having an anal fissure, softening your stool can go a long way in terms of reducing your pain. Also, because hard stools may cause your anal fissure to become irritated, softening your stool will stop this from happening and may allow your fissure to heal or at least be less inflamed. There are multiple ways that you can soften your stool, so it is best to find what works for you. A high fiber diet is a great way to soften your stool naturally. Taking stool softeners, suppositories, and/or enemas can also effectively soften your stool and allow it to exit your rectum much easier. 

Antibiotic Ointment

Another way to help reduce the pain and inflammation of your fissure, reduce the itching that your fissure causes you, and try to help it to heal completely over time is to take an antibiotic ointment. These ointments will generally contain anesthetics as well, and these will help to numb the fissure and reduce the amount of pain that it causes you. This ointment will be applied directly to the fissure, allowing it to start healing directly from the source. 

Botox Injections

If other methods don't work, another treatment that doesn't require surgery is the injection of botox. These botox injections are used to paralyze the sphincter muscle. This in turn stops the pain that you are experiencing, which is the number one priority of many people who have an anal fissure. It can also help the fissure to heal because it isn't constantly being aggravated by the sphincter muscle. Some of the temporary side effects include not being able to control your gas or bowel movements, so be sure to take this into consideration so you can be close to a bathroom after treatment. 

For more information, contact local professionals like Pilipshen Colon & Rectal Surgical Services.