Cracked skin around the anus – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Cracked skin around the anus Diagnosis & Treatment in Dubai

Cracked skin around the anus, also known as anal fissures, can be a painful and uncomfortable condition. These small tears in the lining of the anus can cause significant discomfort, especially during bowel movements. Understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and relief.

Causes:

Anal fissures are often caused by trauma to the anal canal. Common causes include:

• Passing Hard Stools: Straining during bowel movements or passing large, hard stools can tear the delicate lining of the anus.
• Chronic Constipation: Constipation can contribute to the formation of anal fissures due to the increased force required to pass stools.
• Diarrhea: Frequent diarrhea can irritate the anal canal and increase the risk of fissures.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation and fissures in the anal area.
• Other Factors: Childbirth, anal sex, or insertion of foreign objects can also cause anal fissures.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis typically involves a visual examination and medical history review:

• Visual Examination: The doctor will visually inspect the anal area to identify the fissure.
• Medical History: Discussing bowel habits, any history of constipation or diarrhea, and other relevant medical history.
• Digital Rectal Exam: A gentle digital rectal exam may be performed to assess muscle tone and rule out other conditions.

Treatment:

Treatment focuses on healing the fissure and relieving pain:

• Stool Softeners: Stool softeners can make bowel movements easier and reduce strain on the anus.
• Sitz Baths: Soaking the anal area in warm water several times a day can soothe the area and promote healing.
• Topical Creams: Topical anesthetic creams can help relieve pain, while barrier creams can protect the skin. Nitroglycerin ointment may be prescribed to relax the anal sphincter and promote blood flow to the fissure.
• Lifestyle Changes: Increasing fiber and fluid intake can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Avoiding straining during bowel movements is essential.
• Surgery: In chronic or severe cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary to relax the anal sphincter muscle.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Untreated anal fissures can become chronic and lead to further complications.

Related Treatments

• Anal Fissure