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 can happen when you pass hard or large stools throughout a bowel movement. Anal fissures typically hurt and bleeding with bowel movements. You also may experience spasms within the ring of muscle after your anus (anal sphincter).
Anal fissures are extremely common in young infants but can affect people of any age. Most anal fissures improve with simple treatments, for example increased fiber intake or sitz baths. Many people with anal fissures may need medication or, occasionally, surgery.
Symptoms of anal fissures
The symptoms include,
- Pain during bowel motions; it can, at times, turn severe
- Pain after bowel motions; these can last up to several hours sometimes
- Bright red blood on the stool
- You could even notice blood stains on the toilet paper after a bowel movement
- Itching anus
- Irritation round the anus
- A visible crack in the skin around the anus
- A small lump on the skin near the anal fissure
- A skin tag onto the skin near the anal fissure
Home remedies for anal fissures
Here are the top 10 home remedies for anal fissures.
1. Olive Oil
The first remedy on our list is olive oil. It helps treat anal fissures because it contains healthy fats that may lubricate the bowel system, thus improving the bowel movement. It makes it more convenient for the stool to pass.
Olive oil, as you may already know, contains anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce the pain that is related to anal fissures.
A study published within the Scientific World Journal in 2006 showed that people who were suffering from anal fissures when given essential olive oil, noticed a lowering of pain. Additionally they 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 have to mix the ingredients in equal amounts inside a bowl. Now heat it inside a microwave. Once the beeswax completely melts, take it out from the oven, and allow it for cooling. 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
Next remedy is natural aloe-vera, which due to its therapeutic properties is a superb natural treatment for anal fissures. It may also help alleviate the pain caused by the condition, speeding up recovery of the damaged skin tissue.
A study published in 2021 in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences demonstrated that applying a topical cream with natural aloe-vera juice as its base, treats anal fissures.
For the remedy, you need to cut a leaf of natural aloe-vera and extract its gel utilizing a spoon. You will have to scrap it out. Now gently apply this gel around 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 really a hot sitz bath. It helps reduce the pain and speeds up the recovery process.
The bath will also improve the blood circulation in the anal area, that will cure the minor tears and splits. To lessen 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 acrylic to the water and mix well. Now soak yourself in the water for at least 20 minutes.
You need to repeat the remedy thrice each day for at least a week to treat your anal fissures.
4. Comfrey
A extremely popular herb, comfrey promotes healing and reduces pain brought on by anal fissures. The roots and also the leaves of the herb have therapeutic properties. It'll 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 around 15 minutes, and then strain the answer. Once it is comfortably warm, put it on 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.
5. Coconut Oil
Treat your anal fissures with coconut oil. This home remedy works well on fissures because it is an abundant source of medium-chain triglycerides. The oil is easily absorbed by the skin around the anus, and keeps the region lubricated for a long time. As a result, you will not experience any strain during bowel movements, which in turn, will treat your problem.
For the remedy, you need to simply apply lukewarm coconut oil on the anal fissures twice or thrice a day. When the condition is severe, then you might want to apply the oil many times, through the day.
For people with digestive problems or chronic constipation, adding coconut oil for your daily diet might be a great idea. Try it for a month and see should there be any changes in your bowel motions.
6. L-arginine Gel
Try arginine, also called L-arginine, to treat your anal fissures. L-arginine is definitely an amino acid, which cures anal fissure by increasing the flow of nitric oxide towards the anal passage.
According to a study published within the Diseases of the Colon and Rectum in the year 2005, applying L-arginine gel within the affected area can treat it quickly, also without causing any negative 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. It will be in almost any medical shop.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Constipation which in turn causes straining, further causes anal fissures. Therefore, take apple cider vinegar to treat your constipation.
Apple cider vinegar contains pectin, that is a water-soluble fiber that enhances digestion and improves bowel movement, thus curing anal fissures.
For the remedy, you have to dilute raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar by mixing two tablespoons it in a glass of warm water. For taste, you can add several teaspoons of raw honey. Drink this solution two times a day to treat your condition.
8. Flaxseed
What makes flaxseed a great 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 stress on the anus.
For the remedy, take a glass of water and mix a tablespoon of flaxseed powder. You have to drink this water once every evening before hitting the bed.
You can also take flaxseed supplements, but do consult the doctor for the right dosage.
9. Fiber
By closely staying on a diet that is rich in fiber, you can prevent constipation, thereby ensuring regular bowel motions. When the stools you pass are softer, you will not strain your anal passage, and therefore, 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 that is another rich source of fiber.
One may even try fiber supplements, but do consult a doctor first for the correct dosage.
To avoid gastrointestinal discomforts, while upping your intake of fiber, do also stay well hydrated, 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 boost the spread of bacterial infections.
For the remedy, following a bowel movement, wash the region properly, and then wipe it with a soft toilet paper. Most people are fond of toiled papers with fragrance. That won't 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 around 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 within the same position for a prolonged period of time, you will have to inculcate the habit of taking frequent breaks. Whenever you sit in the same position for a long time, moisture is built up in the anal area, worsening anal fissures.
That is all we have on today's post on home remedies for anal fissures. Was this beneficial? Will you be recommending it to others too? If you have some remedies that you would like to share with us, then please so in the comment section below.
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