How to improve anal fissure bleeding?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on February 04, 2025
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To improve anal fissure and bleeding, the first step is to treat constipation by softening the stool, as most anal fissures are caused by dry stools tearing the local skin and mucous membranes of the anus, leading to bleeding from these tears. For those experiencing pain and bleeding due to anal fissures, it is advisable to apply sesame oil around the anus before each bowel movement to prevent irritations from stool aggravating the fissure, which can cause recurrent pain and bleeding. After defecation, hemorrhoid cream can be applied for hemostatic treatment, and medicinal herbal solutions can be used for local compression and hot compresses to promote the growth and healing of the fissure. (Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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Are anal fissures and hemorrhoids the same thing?

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common clinical conditions, but their symptoms are completely different. Generally, they both share a common symptom, which is the presence of rectal bleeding, and this bleeding is usually bright red blood. The difference between anal fissures and hemorrhoids is that anal fissures primarily cause pain, while hemorrhoids primarily cause bleeding. Hemorrhoids only cause severe pain when external hemorrhoids become inflamed and swollen, while anal fissures often involve enlargement of the anal papillae. Hemorrhoids do not involve enlargement of the anal papillae, and while anal fissures can involve skin tears around the anal canal, hemorrhoids do not. During a digital rectal exam, this can be diagnosed; hemorrhoids are caused by poor local venous circulation, leading to venous congestion and the formation of vascular bulges. Depending on their location, they are divided into internal and external hemorrhoids. Anal fissures are skin tears located on the more lateral parts of the anus, and during defecation, the tear worsens, bleeding and causing severe pain, whereas hemorrhoids usually do not cause severe pain.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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What should I do if I have anal fissure bleeding?

The main symptoms of patients with anal fissures are bleeding and pain. Extended periods of bleeding can first lead to local infections and secondly to systemic anemia, thus immediate and timely treatment is necessary. Firstly, maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial; this includes daily cleaning of the anal area and using hot sitz baths to help improve venous circulation. Secondly, it's important to drink plenty of water, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, avoid spicy foods, and ensure regular bowel movements. In this situation, topical medications can be used. Treatment with suppositories that invigorate the blood and reduce stagnation can have a local anti-inflammatory effect. If medication does not sufficiently resolve the issue, surgical treatment options such as internal anal sphincterotomy or anal fissurectomy can be considered, which can provide a complete cure.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What should I do if anal fissures keep recurring?

Repeated episodes of anal fissure generally result in the formation of chronic anal fissures. The fissure in chronic anal fissures mainly presents as an ulcer surface, and because the fissure is enclosed within the local sphincter muscles, drainage is poor, thus reducing the likelihood of healing. When patients with anal fissures suffer from long-term recurrent episodes, they also experience spasms of the local anal sphincter and tightening of the anal canal, which can lead to difficulties in bowel movements and dry stools in the anal region. When the spasm of the local anal sphincter worsens, the pain may cause patients to be afraid of defecating voluntarily, thereby creating a vicious cycle of recurrent episodes. The best treatment for recurrent chronic anal fissures is surgical intervention.

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Written by Hu Xiang Dang
Colorectal Surgery Department
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What medicine is used for anal fissures?

So, what medications can patients with anal fissures use routinely? If an anal fissure occurs, during the early stages when the fissure is new, we can use ointments such as Dragon Pearl Ointment, Jiu Hua Ointment, Musk Hemorrhoids Ointment, and Ganthai Ointment, which are hemorrhoid ointments that remove decay and promote tissue regeneration, to facilitate the healing of the wound. After defecating, we can use traditional Chinese medicine pain relievers like Shen Soup or a potassium permanganate solution for cleansing. After cleaning, we should also use some hemorrhoid suppositories for insertion into the anus, which can be used 1-2 times daily. Additionally, oral medications should be taken to lubricate the intestines and aid bowel movements. For example, liquid paraffin, hemp seed pills, hemp seed capsules, and polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder (solution), etc., to soften the stool and improve bowel conditions. If there is severe pain during or after bowel movements due to the anal fissure, local anesthesia like ropivacaine can be used at the Changqiang acupoint for a prolonged pain relief, and long-lasting pain relievers can also be injected at the base of the fissure to relieve pain during defecation. Considering the individual differences of patients, the specific medications, dosages, and precautions should be followed. It is crucial for patients to consult a doctor before using any medications to prevent misuse of drugs.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
1min 14sec home-news-image

What causes anal fissures?

Anal fissure is a series of clinical symptoms such as pain or rectal bleeding that occur due to the formation of a crack in the local sphincter muscle of the anus. The main reason for the occurrence of anal fissures is due to poor defecation habits in the early stages of the patient, or excessively dry stools, and excessive force during defecation, causing the local sphincter to burst, resulting in the fissure opening pain or bleeding. To treat anal fissures, it is first necessary to soften the patient's stools and adjust defecation habits. If the patient's diet is poor, it is recommended to maintain a light, easily digestible diet long-term. For those with dry stools, appropriate oral medications to lubricate the intestines and facilitate bowel movements can be used, or sesame oil can be applied around the anus before each defecation to lubricate the stool. If recurrent episodes of anal fissures occur, surgical treatment can also be directly performed. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a doctor.)