Why won’t my Anal Fissure won’t heal - #11343
Anal fissure keeps coming back. Will get better, then flare up again. Have had for3 months. What can be done to make it go away for good. Have never had anything like this & only appeared after a bout of diarrhea. Have been to doctor and prescribed Alison HC suppositories & nifedipine 2% ointment.
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Doctors’ responses
Greetings Allen ! I practice allopathy and there are limitations of it as far as treatment of Anal Fissure is concerned. The healing process is constantly hampered due to passage of fecal matter constantly. I understand as a fellow human that dietary changes and fibers must’ve been already involved in your diet, but I strongly advice you to consult a Homeopathic practitioner for it. There are several studies which confirm that Homeopathic treatment with Drug PAEONIA OFFICINALIS. Although I would advice as routine for warm sitz baths and stool softeners.
Hi Ellen,
You’re already on nifedipine 2% ointment and Anusol HC suppositories (to reduce inflammation). These are standard treatments.
To improve results;
Keep stools soft daily fiber (fruits, vegetables, psyllium husk), Eat Isabgol PLENTY OF WATER Warm sitz baths: 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times daily, especially after bowel movements
Must Avoid triggers: spicy foods, excessive caffeine, alcohol Long sitting in washroom DONT SKIP DEFECATION since it leads to constipation and fissure.
If not improving in a few weeks
Since it’s chronic and recurring, you may need: • Botulinum toxin (Botox) injection – relaxes the sphincter for weeks to allow healing. • Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS) – a minor surgery that permanently reduces spasm; considered the gold standard for chronic fissures with very high cure rates.
For taking those second steps consult a surgeon first.
Hello sir See as per your clinical history it seems some serious damage in your anal lining usually linked to infection and consistent passing of hard food contents Medications you are already taking for topical application I am suggesting some tests that need to be done for confirmation Rectal physical examination Anoscopy Colonoscopy Sigmoidoscopy
Please get these tests done and share results with gastroenterologist or laproscopic surgeon for better clarification. In addition you can take following precautions for improvement Take plenty of water Include fibres in your diet Consume simple diet of dalia, khichdi,porridge and sewain There may be requirement of following procedures in case of failure of topical medications Spinongerectomy or surgery Botulinum toxin( if recommended by gastroenterologist) Kindly go for medicine only after recommendation from concerned doctor and even if surgery is required,then also upon confirmation only Hopefully you recover soon Regards
Anal fissure doesn’t heal well if:
Bowel movements are still irritating (hard, frequent, loose, or painful)
The anal sphincter stays in spasm, reducing blood flow to the wound.
Healing is interrupted by re-injury when passing stool.
Bowel care (most important)
Keep stools soft, formed, and easy to pass.
High fiber diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
Psyllium husk (Isabgol) or stool softener (like lactulose or polyethylene glycol) if needed.
Drink 2–2.5 L water daily (unless restricted for heart/kidney reasons).
Avoid: straining, sitting too long on toilet, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol.
Continue the prescribed drug
Chronic anal fissures can recur because the anal muscles remain tight and the tissue struggles to heal completely, especially after irritation from diarrhea. Along with prescribed nifedipine ointment and suppositories, maintaining soft stools with high-fiber diet, hydration, sitz baths, and avoiding straining is key to long-term healing. If symptoms persist despite these measures, a colorectal surgeon may recommend options like Botox injection or lateral sphincterotomy surgery for permanent relief.
Recurrent anal fissures can really be frustrating, especially if they flare up frequently. Since you’ve been dealing with this for a few months now, it’s important to get a handle on some key factors that can promote healing and help prevent further flare-ups. The bout of diarrhea you mentioned can indeed be an initial cause for fissures, due to the irritation and frequent bowel movements. To help your current regimen of suppositories and nifedipine ointment work more effectively, it might help to incorporate dietary and lifestyle changes. Ensuring regular, soft bowel movements is crucial. Increasing your intake of fiber through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with adequate hydration (aiming for at least eight glasses of water a day) can help in maintaining stool consistency. You might also consider using an over-the-counter stool softener if constipation becomes an issue. Warm sitz baths can be soothing and promote blood flow to the area, which can speed up healing; try sitting in warm water for about 10-15 minutes several times a day, particularly after bowel movements. Limiting straining during bowel movements is just as important – try not to linger on the toilet and respond promptly to the urge to go. If these measures don’t lead to improvement or if symptoms worsen – such as increased bleeding, severe pain, or any signs of infection – reach out to a healthcare provider. There might be underlying factors, like a chronic muscle spasm in the anal sphincter, contributing to the repeated fissures. In some cases, more advanced treatments like botulinum toxin injections or a minor surgical procedure may be recommended by a specialist, such as a proctologist. Keeping track of any patterns related to your diet, stress, or bowel habits, and discussing them with your doctor could provide valuable insights into preventing future recurrences.
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