When to see a doctor
- Sharp pain when passing stool, sometimes lasting an hour or more afterwards
- A little bright red blood on the stool, in the toilet, or when washing or wiping
- Burning, itching or soreness around the back passage
- A small lump of skin near the back passage
- Avoiding the toilet because of pain, which can make constipation worse
Get urgent help if
- Heavy bleeding, bleeding that will not stop, or passing blood clots
- Feeling dizzy, faint or very weak with bleeding
- Fever or shivering with a hot, painful swelling near the back passage
- Black, tar-like stools
Call the hospital on +91 251 260 8502 (open 24 hours) or go to the nearest emergency department. For an ambulance, call 108. Do not wait for an OPD appointment.
How care usually works
- Your doctor will ask about your pain, bleeding and bowel habits.
- A fissure can often be seen by gently looking at the skin. An internal examination may be delayed if it would be too painful.
- If a fissure looks unusual or does not heal, further tests may be advised to check for other causes.
- Care often starts with fibre, water and pain relief. Your doctor may suggest stool softeners (medicines that make stools softer) and sitting in a tub of warm water. They may also prescribe an ointment that relaxes the muscle around the back passage.
- Some fissures do not heal after several weeks of ointment and other care. Your doctor may then discuss a Botox injection (a medicine that relaxes the muscle for a few months) or a small operation. They will explain the benefits and risks, including a small chance of difficulty controlling wind or stool. Recovery may involve keeping stools soft and attending follow-up visits.
Typical hospital stay
Most fissures are treated without a hospital stay. After an injection or small operation, many people go home the same day or the next day.
Doctors for this treatment
Frequently asked questions
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if passing stool is painful or you notice blood afterwards. Please do not assume it is a fissure, as other conditions can cause similar signs. Also see a doctor soon if you have a change in bowel habit, weight loss, or diarrhoea with blood or mucus. If bleeding is heavy or you feel dizzy or faint, go to the nearest hospital emergency department straight away. For fever or a hot, painful swelling, see a doctor the same day.
How does the doctor check for a fissure?
Usually by talking with you and gently looking at the skin around the back passage. Often the tear can be seen without any internal check. If it hurts, tell the doctor. They can stop and wait until the area is less sore.
How long does a fissure take to heal?
Healing time varies from person to person. Many fissures heal within a few weeks with simple care and medicines, but some take longer. After an injection or operation, your doctor will explain what to expect and when to come back for review.
Is a fissure the same as piles?
No. A fissure is a small tear in the skin, while piles are swollen blood vessels. Both can cause bleeding, so a doctor’s check helps tell them apart. Some people have both at the same time.
A note about this page
This page is general information, not medical advice. Please see a doctor about your own symptoms.