Anal fissures, its possible causes, common Signs & Symptoms, and how Holistic Remedies can help.

A fissure is a tear that splits or cracks to form a long, narrow opening.

Fissures can be shallow or deep, may bleed or be painful.

They can appear especially between toes, around heel of feet, fingertips, palms, external ear, eyelids, breasts nipples, anus and vulva.

Skin fissures are cracks that form due to intense dryness and thickened skin.

Extreme dryness is seen in women due to loss of oestrogen who are entering the menopause.

Anal fissure is one of the most common conditions.

It is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue – mucosa that lines the anus.

Anal fissures are very common in young infants and middle-aged adults but can affect people of any age.

Common Causes of general skin fissures:

• Weather: Living in a cold, dry climate.
• Frequent exposure to water.
• Certain vitamins deficiencies can lead to dry, itchy skin that does not heal as quickly as healthy skin.
• Overuse: Any area of skin that is continually used.
• For example, walking barefoot increases the stress on your feet and puts you at a higher risk of developing heel fissures.

Medical disorders of fissures may include:

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing skin fissures.
• Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that leads to thick plaques of dead skin cells.
• Eczema causes itchy, inflamed dry patches of skin.

Most Common signs & symptoms of Anal Fissures

• Pain and bleeding during and even hours after bowel movement
• Spasms in the ring of muscle or the anal sphincter at the end of your anus.
• A visible crack or tear in the anus or anal canal
• Burning and itching that may be painful
• Discomfort when urinating, frequent urination, or inability to urinate
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper after a bowel movement.
• A small lump or skin tag on the skin near the anal fissure.

An effective holistic approach is to identify and treat the causative factors!

Common Causes and risk factors of anal fissures

• Constipation – Passing large or hard stools during bowel movement.
• IBD – Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Tight anal orifice
• Chronic, long-lasting frequent diarrhoea
• Straining during bowel movements
• Anal cancer
• Leukaemia – cancer of blood cells
• Insertion of foreign objects into the anus
• Scarring in the anorectal area
• STD’s – sexually transmitted or infectious diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, chancroid, HIV, herpes, tuberculosis etc
• Pregnancy
• Anal fissures are more common in women after they give birth.
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – inflammatory bowel diseases may cause chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract.
• Anal intercourse / stretching
• Decreased blood flow to the anorectal area

Further Complications of an anal fissures

• Once you’ve experienced an anal fissure, you are prone to having another one.
• An anal fissure tears may extend into the ring of muscle that holds your anus closed. If this happens, it makes it more difficult to heal.

Herbal Supplements and Home Remedies for anal fissures

Make sure to avoid any ingredient you are allergic to – discussed in this article!

Coconut oil is an effective home remedy for anal fissures that passes through the skin easily and moisturise the affected area.

Olive oil is a natural laxative that can help to ease the bowel movements. The oil can help in the easy passing of stool.

Aloe Vera gel can be used to treat anal fissure by repairing, healing and soothing the skin of the affected area.

Simply apply fresh aloe vera gel on the affected area.

It can be repeated at a gap of three to four hours.

Top Essential oils for anal fissures.

Aromatherapy is the use of plants extracts for healing. Always dilute in a base oil like olive oil etc. and apply externally!

Peppermint Essential Oil is one of the best essential oils for anal fissures. Packed with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anti-microbial properties

Clove oil is also an effective medical treatment for chronic anal fissure.

Lavender Essential oil is one of the most valuable oils to heal the wounds due to its natural anti-inflammatory, antifungal, analgesic, anti-microbial, and antibacterial properties. Lavender helps repair the damaged skin barrier and promotes the healing process.

Homeopathic approach for anal fissures

Homeopathy is One of the safest holistic system of medicines – that offers a unique, personalised treatment and has the potential to reverse a medical disorder.

Consult a qualified homeopath for a proper assessment and take tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, modalities and peculiar signs and symptoms etc.

Here are Top 10 suggested homeopathic remedies for anal fissures.

• Ratanhia
• Acid Nitricum
• Graphites
• Aesculus
• Aloes Socrotina
• Calcarea Flur
• Carbo Vegetalis
• Hydrastis
• Natrum mur
• silicea

Prevention and helpful tips to avoid further deterioration of anal fissures.

• Most anal fissures get better with simple treatments, such as increased fibre intake.
• Preventing constipation through the use of stool softeners, drinking more fluids while avoiding caffeine-containing products which cause dehydration.
• Soaking in a warm sitz bath 10 to 20 minutes several times a day, to help relax the anal muscles
• Gently clean the anal area with mild, unscented soap and water after bowel movements.
• Avoid using rough or scented toilet paper.
• Avoiding straining or prolonged sitting on the toilet.
• Avoid biking, heavy weightlifting, and any form of exercise that requires you to strain.
• Using petroleum jelly to help lubricate the anorectal area.

For your particular health problem(s), or to change your medications it is strongly suggested to avoid self-medication and consult your GP / health provider or Mind & Body Holistic Health Clinic.

You may also book your one-to-one consultation with one of our practitioners for your tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, peculiar signs & symptoms etc.  

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