About this topic
Anal fissure is a tear that happens in the skin around the anus. This can happen by passing hard stool or from too much wiping. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Ask the doctor about using a stool softener or a bulk-forming laxative if hard stools are the cause.
- Ask your doctor before you put anything on your fissure.
- Sit in a tub of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes 2 to 3 times a day until your fissure is healed. Avoid using soap. Do not leave a child alone in a tub of water.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Ask your doctor what drugs you will need to take. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day.
- Eat lots of high-fiber foods. For example, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains are good choices.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Do not strain, bear down, or hold your breath during a bowel movement.
- Move your bowels as soon as you feel the urge.
- Wipe the anal area with soft materials or a wet cloth.
- Avoid anal sex.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- You feel very bad pain in your anus
- You have spasms or bleeding in your anus that does not stop
- The fissure is more painful or not getting better after 3 days of care
- Bleeding from the anus is more or blood is seen mixed in the stool
- You have concerns about your condition
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have pain in my rectum, the fissure is more painful or does not get better within 3 days, or I have blood coming from my anus.
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons ‚
http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/anal_fissure/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚