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. If your child has blood in his
bowel movement (BM), more than likely he has an anal
fissure. Here are the signs:
- The blood 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 paper after wiping.
- Bleeding stops on its own in 5 or 10 minutes.
An anal fissure is an injury usually caused by your child
passing a large or hard BM.
How can I take care of my child?
- Give your child warm baths. Put about 2 tablespoons of
table salt or baking soda in the tub. Give your child
these baths about 3 times a day, for 20 minutes at a
time.
- Use ointment. If the anus is irritated, it can help to
put 1% hydrocortisone on three times a day. If your
child is in pain, you can use 2.5% Xylocaine or 1%
Nupercainal ointment three times a day. This will help
numb the area. You can get these ointments at the drug
store without a doctor's orders.
- Give your child healthy foods. It can help to make sure
your child eats more fresh fruits and vegetables, beans,
and bran products. These foods can help prevent
constipation. It may help to use less cheese and milk.
Fissures heal quickly, usually in 1 or 2 days.
Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
- The bleeding gets worse.
- The bleeding happens more than twice after you start
treatment.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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.