Anal Fissure - Overview

An anal fissure is a crack or a tear in the anus, that can cause bleeding, pain, and discomfort during bowel movements. The condition can be triggered by constipation, diarrhoea, or trauma to the anal area. Treatment usually involves increasing fibre intake and applying topical anal fissure cream or ointments. Prevention methods include maintaining regular bowel movements, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive straining while passing the stool.

Products For Anal Fissure Treatment

There are several anal fissure medicines available for the treatment, including:

• Topical Anaesthetics: The fissure creams are applied directly to the affected area and provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort. Examples include lidocaine and benzocaine
• Topical Steroids: This category of medicines help in reducing inflammation and promote healing
• Nitroglycerin Ointment: This medicine helps to relax the muscles around the anus and increase blood flow to the area, promoting faster healing
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Theses medicines help to relax the muscles in the anal sphincter, reducing spasms and allowing the fissure to heal. Diltiazem is a commonly used calcium channel blocker for this purpose
• Fibre Supplements: These supplements tend to soften the stools and reduce the strain on the anal area during bowel movements. Examples include psyllium and methylcellulose
• Sitz Baths: This involves soaking the affected area in warm water for 10-15 minutes several times in a day. This can help to relieve pain and promote healing.

References:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fissure/
• https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/anal-fissure
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/anal-fissures
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/anus-fissure#:~:text=Anal%20fissure%20is%20a%20tear,producing%20vascular%20compression%20and%20ischemia.
• https://www.netmeds.com/prescriptions/anal-fissure