When people see spots of blood on the toilet paper and have pain with bowel movements, they often immediately think it’s haemorrhoids when the problem may really be a small but painful tear called an anal fissure. Anal fissures are often caused by constipation. If stools are dry and hard, the anal sphincter is forced open wider than normal, resulting in a tear or anal fissure.
Anal fissures also cause a sharp, stinging, often severe pain with the passage of each bowel movement whereas haemorrhoids often cause bleeding but no pain. The pain can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours.
In severe cases, the pain can cause a spasm of muscles that surround the rectum, which can cause the pain to intensify. Fortunately, most anal fissures heal rapidly on their own. When a fissure doesn’t heal within a few weeks, it’s usually because one or more root causes continue to aggravate the fissure.
What can causes anal fissures?
The most obvious cause of an anal fissure is direct trauma to the anal canal. Childbirth, anal intercourse and insertion of any foreign bodies into the anal canal can cause a fissure. Chronic constipation and diarrhoea can also cause an anal fissure by repeatedly straining the lining of the anus.
In the vast majority of cases, an underlying cause is chronic tension in a muscular ring, called the internal anal sphincter, that surrounds the anal canal. Emotional stress causes the autonomic nervous system to gear up to a fight or flight response.
One of the consequences of being chronically amped for a fight or flight response is a tense and dysfunctional gastrointestinal tract, which includes a taut internal anal sphincter. If the internal anal sphincter is chronically tense, blood flow to this region is reduced.
Reduced blood flow causes the lining of the anus to become more susceptible to tearing. Reduced blood flow to the anus also makes it harder for a fissure to heal.
This is why some people tear relatively easily when they try to pass hard stools, while others don’t develop a fissure even when chronically constipated. The tone of the internal anal sphincter largely determines if an anal fissure will develop when the anal canal is excessively stretched.
Lack of exercise and sitting down too much can result in poor circulation which can also result in reduced blood flow to the anus.
Nicotine reduces blood flow by constricting the capillaries so smoking should be avoided.
Avoid eggs when suffering from anal fissures as they can bind up the stools and cause constipation.
What are natural remedies for anal fissure?
Never strain when on the toilet. If there is a problem with natural excretion consume natural laxatives such as cascara, prunes or senna to soften stools. Eat extra fruit and vegetables which will aid digestion and ease excretion and avoid eggs until the constipation is resolved.
Consuming foods which increase blood flow can help with the healing of anal fissures such as ginger, garlic and turmeric. Crush three cloves of garlic and allow to stand for ten minutes. Add to meals with grated ginger and a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Dried garlic or ginger powder may be used as well. Turmeric is good with many dishes such as eggs, fish, rice and salads on vegetables especially cauliflower.
Psyllium husks are the most highly effective remedy for naturally resolving problems within the bowels by moving waste more easily through the intestinal tract. One teaspoon taken in warm water or juice everyday will greatly assist digestion and excretion and avoid and heal most bowel disorders including anal fissures. Always drink a full glass of water after consuming the psyllium husks.
What are the external remedies for anal fissures?
Coconut oil
If the anal sphincter is dry or there is an existing fissure, use coconut oil to moisturize the area. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, and it has healing properties for wounds. Some health practitioners in Indonesia have long used coconut oil to effectively treat bed sores and other skin lesions. It’s best to apply it to the area throughout the day and before going to bed.
Aloe vera and tea tree oil
Take a warm bath daily in aloe vera or tea tree oil (or both) to help relax the muscles around the anus and increase blood flow. Both these herbs are powerful natural cleaners and have anti-bacterial properties to prevent infection.
Avoid soap
Wash anal area with warm water without the use of soap or other personal care products. Regular use of soap can cause the lining of the anal canal to become dry, predisposing it to tears when stretched excessively.
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