According to the Mayo clinic,
An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) that lines the anus. An anal fissure may occur when you pass hard or large stools during a bowel movement. Anal fissures typically cause pain and bleeding with bowel movements. You also may experience spasms in the ring of muscle at the end of your anus (anal sphincter).
Anal fissures are very common in young infants but can affect people of any age. Most anal fissures get better with simple treatments, such as increased fiber intake or sitz baths. Some people with anal fissures may need medication or, occasionally, surgery.
Symptoms of anal fissures
The symptoms include,
- Pain during bowel movements; it can, at times, turn severe
- Pain after bowel movements; these can last up to several hours sometimes
- Bright red blood on the stool
- You might even notice blood stains on the toilet paper after a bowel movement
- Itching anus
- Irritation around the anus
- A visible crack in the skin around the anus
- A small lump on the skin near the anal fissure
- A skin tag on the skin near the anal fissure
Suggested read: 10 Natural Home Remedies For Piles or Hemorrhoids That Really Work
Home remedies for anal fissures
Here are the top 10 home remedies for anal fissures.
1. Olive Oil
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The first remedy on our list is olive oil. It helps treat anal fissures because it contains healthy fats that can lubricate the bowel system, thus improving the bowel movement. It makes it easier for the stool to pass.
Olive oil, as you might already know, contains anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce the pain that is associated with anal fissures.
A study published in the Scientific World Journal in 2006 showed that people who were suffering from anal fissures when given olive oil, noticed a lowering of pain. They also did not experience the same amount of bleeding and itching after using this remedy which involves olive oil, beeswax and honey.
For the remedy, you need to mix the ingredients in equal amounts in a bowl. Now heat it in a microwave. Once the beeswax completely melts, take it out from the oven, and allow it to cool. Now apply the mix on the affected area gently.
You need to repeat this remedy several times through a day, until the condition is completely cured.
2. Aloe Vera
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Next remedy is aloe vera, which due to its therapeutic properties is a great natural treatment for anal fissures. It also helps alleviate the pain caused by the condition, speeding up recovery of the damaged skin tissue.
A study published in 2014 in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences showed that applying a topical cream with aloe vera juice as its base, treats anal fissures.
For the remedy, you need to cut a leaf of aloe vera and extract its gel using a spoon. You will have to scrap it out. Now gently apply this gel on the affected area.
You will have to reapply the gel several times through the day for at least a week.
3. Hot Sitz Bath
The next remedy on our list of natural treatments for anal fissures is a hot sitz bath. It helps reduce the pain and speeds up the recovery process.
The bath will also improve the circulation of blood in the anal area, which will cure the minor tears and splits. To reduce the itching and the swelling, you can completely rely on a hot sitz bath.
For the remedy, draw yourself a warm water bath. Now add drops of lavender essential oil to the water and mix well. Now soak yourself in the water for at least 20 minutes.
You need to repeat the remedy thrice a day for at least a week to treat your anal fissures.
4. Comfrey
A very popular herb, comfrey promotes healing and reduces pain caused by anal fissures. The roots and the leaves of the herb have therapeutic properties. It will heal the split in the tissues in the anal area, and repair them. It will also promote rapid cell growth, thus accelerating the healing process.
For the remedy, add two teaspoons of dried comfrey to a cup of boiling water. Remove the container from the fire, and cover it. Allow the herb to steep for about 15 minutes, and then strain the solution. Once it is comfortably warm, apply it on the affected area.
You need to repeat this twice or thrice a day.
An alternative to this remedy, is to use warm comfrey tea as compress.
Suggested read: 15 Home Remedies For Stomach Gas Which Are Effective Immediately
5. Coconut Oil
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Treat your anal fissures with coconut oil. This home remedy works well on fissures because it is a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides. The oil is easily absorbed by the skin around the anus, and keeps the area lubricated for a long time. As a result, you will not experience any strain during bowel movements, which in turn, will treat your condition.
For the remedy, you need to simply apply lukewarm coconut oil on the anal fissures twice or thrice a day. If the condition is severe, then you might want to apply the oil several times, through the day.
For people with digestive problems or chronic constipation, adding coconut oil to your daily diet might be a great idea. Try it for a month and see if there are any changes in your bowel movements.
6. L-arginine Gel
Try arginine, also called L-arginine, to treat your anal fissures. L-arginine is an amino acid, which cures anal fissure by improving the flow of nitric oxide to the anal passage.
According to a study published in the Diseases of the Colon and Rectum in the year 2005, applying L-arginine gel in the affected area can treat it quickly, also without causing any side effects. Even if you are not responding to the isosorbide dinitrate treatment, this l-arginine gel with positively work for you.
For the remedy, get yourself a l-arginine gel. You will find it in almost any medical shop.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
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Constipation which causes straining, further causes anal fissures. Therefore, take apple cider vinegar to treat your constipation.
Apple cider vinegar contains pectin, which is a water-soluble fiber that enhances digestion and improves bowel movement, thus curing anal fissures.
For the remedy, you need to dilute raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar by mixing two tablespoons of it in a glass of warm water. For taste, you can add a few teaspoons of raw honey. Drink this solution two times a day to treat your condition.
8. Flaxseed
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What makes flaxseed a good remedy for anal fissures? Flaxseed contains both omega-3 fatty acids as well as fiber. These help treat constipation, which in turn, eases the bowel movement, preventing anal fissures.
Flaxseed works as a laxative, and eases the bowel movement causing no strain on the anus.
For the remedy, take a glass of water and mix a tablespoon of flaxseed powder. You need to drink this water once every night before hitting the bed.
You can also take flaxseed supplements, but do consult the doctor for the right dosage.
9. Fiber
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By closely following a diet that is rich in fiber, you can prevent constipation, thereby ensuring regular bowel movements. When the stools you pass are softer, you will not strain your anal passage, and hence, you can prevent and cure anal fissures.
For the remedy, you should include quinoa, prunes, legumes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and oatmeal in your diet. You can also try isabgol/ psyllium which is another rich source of fiber.
One can even try fiber supplements, but do consult a doctor first for the correct dosage.
To avoid gastrointestinal discomforts, while increasing your intake of fiber, do also drink plenty of water, through the day.
10. Hygiene
The last remedy on our list today is hygiene; only by maintaining a proper hygiene can you prevent and cure your anal fissures. The affected area needs to be clean as well as dry at all times. This is because moisture can increase the spread of bacterial infections.
For the remedy, after a bowel movement, wash the area properly, and then wipe it with a soft toilet paper. Most people are fond of toiled papers with fragrance. That may not be such a good idea when you have anal fissures, as you might cause further aggravation in the area.
After every bath, apply some baby powder on the affected area. This will keep the anal area dry and moisture-free.
Try to wear cotton underwear at all times. Loose –fitting clothes, especially pants, are highly recommended.
If your work requires to sit in the same position for a prolonged period of time, you will have to inculcate the habit of taking frequent breaks. When you sit in the same position for a long time, moisture is built up in the anal area, worsening anal fissures.
Suggested read: Poop Problem? Say Bye Bye To Constipation With These Natural Home Remedies!
That is all we have on today’s post on home remedies for anal fissures. Was this helpful? Will you be recommending it to others too? If you have some remedies that you would like to share with us, then please do so in the comment section below.
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