Can Anal Fissures Heal on Their Own?

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus. Although they affect only a small percentage of people, anal fissures can make routine activities like sitting or having a bowel movement painful. If you currently have one, you may wonder whether the fissure will heal at home or require medical care.

At his practices in Los Angeles and Glendale, California, board-certified colon and rectal surgeon Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, specializes in treating anal fissures. Here, we explain why anal fissures occur, whether they can heal on their own, and how to recover comfortably.

What causes anal fissures?

The lining of the anus is smooth and flexible, so stool can easily pass through it. However, stretching and straining can tear the soft, mucosal tissue and lead to a fissure. This can happen for various reasons, but some of the most common include:

• Constipation
• Chronic diarrhea
• Childbirth
• Anal trauma

Regardless of why a fissure forms, it’s important to take action. Without proper care, the tear can worsen and increase the risk of repeated irritation and stretching.

Can anal fissures heal on their own?

If you have an anal fissure, you might assume you’ll need stitches or surgery, but that often isn’t the case. Research shows that about 85% of acute anal fissures (those lasting six weeks or less) heal on their own within about a month.

Chronic fissures, on the other hand, which last six weeks or longer, can be more challenging to treat. That’s because these fissures are often due to stool consistency and bathroom habits, which require a more targeted approach.

At-home care tips to support healing

Here are a few easy things you can do at home to reduce your risk of anal fissures (or at least prevent them from worsening): 

Eat plenty of fiber and stay hydrated

The average adult should consume between 25 and 30 grams of dietary fiber daily. Yet most Americans only eat about 15 grams. Fiber makes stool soft, bulky, and easier to pass, which is why it’s so important for digestive health. After all, the easier it is to have a bowel movement, the less likely you are to experience a tear.

Drinking water has a similar effect. The more hydrated you are, the better. Water softens stool, reducing strain during bowel movements.

Run a sitz bath

A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath specifically designed to reduce pain or irritation caused by hemorrhoids and anal fissures. This approach has been used for over 150 years and helps relax your anal sphincter muscles. It also increases circulation to the anus and speeds up healing.

Practice gentle hygiene

If you have an anal fissure, avoid wiping with coarse toilet paper. Doing so can irritate your skin and worsen the tear. Instead, use gentle cleansing wipes, a bidet, or simply hop in the shower. Similarly, avoid washing with scented soaps or body washes, which can dry out your skin and cause further inflammation.

When to see a doctor

Most anal fissures heal within six weeks, but if yours lasts longer, don’t wait to make an appointment with Dr. Yavrouian. This is especially true if you have fissures that keep coming back or interfere with your quality of life. 

In most cases, chronic fissures can be treated with a minimally invasive approach. Depending on your needs, Dr. Yavrouian might suggest prescription creams, Botox® injections to relax the anal sphincter muscles, or, in rare cases, minor surgery. Don’t worry if you need this type of care. All of these treatments usually work well and often prevent recurrence.

Get treatment for an anal fissure

If you’re tired of dealing with anal fissures, there are many effective treatment options. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online with Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, today.