Anal Fissure
What is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the skin at the
opening of the anus. More than 90% of children with blood
in their stools have an anal fissure.
You may notice the following symptoms:
- The blood in the stool is bright red.
- The blood is only a few streaks or flecks.
- The blood is on the surface of the bowel movement (BM) or
on the toilet tissue after wiping.
- Your child usually passes a large or hard bowel movement
just before you notice the blood.
- You may see a shallow tear at the opening of the anus
when the buttocks are spread apart, usually in a clock
position of 6 or 12 o'clock. However, a tear cannot
always be seen.
- Pain usually occurs during the passage of a BM.
- Touching the tear may cause mild pain.
What causes an anal fissure?
Constipation or passing a hard or large BM is the usual
cause of anal fissures.
How long does it last?
Bleeding from a fissure stops on its own in a few minutes.
Fissures heal quickly, usually in 1 to 2 days.
How can I take care of my child?
- Warm saline baths
Give your child warm baths for 20 minutes, 3 times a day.
Have him sit in a basin or tub of warm water with about
2 ounces of table salt or baking soda added. Don't use
any soap on the irritated area. Then gently dry the anal
area.
- Bowel movements
After bowel movements gently cleanse the anus with warm
water. Do not use dry toilet tissue until the fissures
are healed.
- Ointments
If the anus seems irritated, you can apply 1%
hydrocortisone ointment (nonprescription). If the pain
is severe, apply instead 2.5% Xylocaine ointment
(nonprescription) a few times to numb the area.
- Diet
The most important part of treatment is for your child to
eat more fiber to keep from getting constipated.
Increase the amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables,
beans, and bran products that your child eats. Reduce
the amounts of milk products your child eats or drinks.
Occasionally a stool softener (such as mineral oil) is
needed temporarily.
When should I call my child's health care provider?
Call during office hours if:
- The bleeding increases in amount.
- The bleeding occurs more than 2 times (after treatment
begins).
- You have other concerns or questions.
Related Topic
Constipation
Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.