About the topic
An anal fissure is a small tear at the anus. It can cause sharp pain during a bowel movement, burning afterwards and a little bright red blood. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so bleeding should not automatically be blamed on a fissure.
Practical care & comfort
- Keep stools soft with fibre and fluids, following any fluid restriction you have.
- Try a warm, shallow bath after a bowel movement to ease discomfort.
- Keep the area clean and dry, and do not ignore the urge to pass stool.
Symptoms & signs
- Sharp pain during a bowel movement.
- Burning discomfort that continues afterwards.
- Small amounts of bright red blood on paper or stool.
When to speak with a clinician: Arrange assessment if symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days of self-care. Recurrent pain or bleeding also deserves review; prescription treatment may help a tear heal.
Food & nutrition
Food choices help stool consistency; they do not explain persistent bleeding or replace treatment for a tear that is not healing.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- Choose fibre-rich fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses.
- Drink enough fluids to support soft stools, within any prescribed limit.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Avoid routinely replacing fibre-rich meals with low-fibre snacks.
- Keep sugary drinks occasional as part of general healthy eating.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: