An anal fissure is a crack or tear in the lining of your anal canal. It’s a common cause of anal pain and rectal bleeding, especially during bowel movements (pooping).

Anal trauma usually causes a fissure, especially from straining to pass hard stools. Anal fissures can occur suddenly or gradually. They can also heal quickly or slowly.

Symptoms of an anal fissure: 

The most common symptoms are:

• Sharp pain when pooping.
• Burning or itching with pooping.
• Fresh, red blood in your poop.

Management:

Most anal fissures will heal on their own, but you can help the process along with a little self-care. Here’s some advice:

• To make pooping more comfortable, consider a stool softener. Use a step stool to support your feet while sitting on the toilet, which helps position your hips in a squatting position.
• Wipe your anus carefully with soft paper or alcohol-free wet wipes. Consider using a bidet, or shower after pooping.
• Apply a topical ointment or cream to your fissure. Petroleum jelly can promote healing by sealing in moisture and acting as an antibiotic. Medicated creams can treat inflammation and pain.
• Take a sitz bath two or three times a day for at least 10-15 minutes. This is a shallow, warm water bath that you sit in to soak your anus. It can relieve your symptoms and help relax your muscles