Index

Anal Fissure

What is an anal fissure?

An anal fissure is a shallow 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.
  • Touching the tear causes mild pain.

What causes an anal fissure?

Injury to the anal canal during passage of 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 5 or 10 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 or 1% Nupercainal ointment (nonprescription) 3 times a day for a few days to numb the area.

  • Diet

    The most important part of treatment is to keep your child on a nonconstipating diet. 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.
Published originally by McKesson Health Solutions LLC.
Adapted by Premier Care Pediatrics, PA.
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.