The main reason that anal fistulas cause pain is because they are severe infectious lesions. During the acute phase, local inflammation causes pain or itching around the external opening, along with discharge from this opening.

To alleviate the pain caused by anal fistulas, one can first apply anti-inflammatory ointments to temporarily relieve the symptoms. It is also important to maintain cleanliness around the anal area. Hemorrhoid suppositories can be used to ease the inflammation in the anal and intestinal tract.

However, to completely cure the pain from anal fistulas, besides conservative medication, surgical treatment is often necessary. The main surgical method for anal fistulas is fistulotomy with a seton placement, which thoroughly removes the local infection and prevents the recurrence of pain.