How to quickly relieve pain from anal fissures

Nov 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

Pain from anal fissures can be relieved with topical analgesic ointments, warm sitz baths, adjusting bowel habits, using lubricants, and avoiding irritation to the affected area. These measures can quickly alleviate pain and reduce further damage to the fissure site. If pain continues to worsen, bleeding increases, or signs of infection appear, prompt medical attention is recommended. Use ointments containing ingredients such as lidocaine under a doctor's guidance.

Anal fissures can be managed by using topical analgesic ointments, warm sitz baths, adjusting bowel habits, applying lubricants, and avoiding irritation to the affected area. These methods help relieve pain quickly and reduce further damage to the fissure site. If pain continues to worsen, bleeding increases, or signs of infection appear, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Topical analgesic ointments: Under medical guidance, apply ointments containing ingredients such as lidocaine directly to the fissure site. This helps block pain signal transmission and rapidly reduces pain during defecation or daily activities. Use according to product instructions.

2. Warm sitz baths: Soak in warm water at 38–40°C for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times daily. This helps relax the muscles around the anus, improves local blood circulation, relieves pain caused by muscle spasms, and cleanses the wound to reduce the risk of infection.

3. Adjusting bowel habits: Avoid straining during bowel movements. In cases of constipation, short-term use of mild laxatives may be helpful. Reducing time spent on the toilet minimizes friction and pulling on the fissure, thereby reducing pain triggers and maintaining regular bowel movements.

4. Using lubricants: Apply lubricants such as petroleum jelly around the anus before defecation, or take oral osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol to soften stools. This reduces friction between stool and the wound, alleviating tearing pain during bowel movements.

5. Avoiding irritation to the affected area: Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear; avoid prolonged sitting or pressure on the anal area to minimize mechanical irritation. Also avoid spicy and irritating foods that may exacerbate pain.

In daily life, consume plenty of high-fiber vegetables and fruits, maintain adequate daily fluid intake, gently wipe with soft toilet paper after bowel movements (avoid vigorous rubbing), follow a regular sleep schedule, and engage in moderate physical activity to promote intestinal motility and prevent constipation.

View All

Can constipation and anal fissures heal on their own?

In general, whether constipation-related anal fissures can heal spontaneously mainly depends on the type and severity of the fissure. After developing an anal fissure, it is important to first determine its type rather than blindly waiting for self-healing. In daily life, avoid prolonged sitting to reduce pressure around the anus; avoid prolonged squatting during bowel movements and keep bowel movements brief. If the anal fissure persists for more than two weeks without healing, or if symptoms such as increased pain or heavier bleeding occur, prompt medical attention is necessary.

View Full Answer

Can patients with anal fissures run?

In general, whether patients with anal fissures can run depends on the severity of their condition and overall physical health. If there is obvious discomfort or worsening symptoms, prompt medical attention is recommended. Before running, individuals should assess their symptoms to determine the current stage of the condition. Wear loose, breathable clothing to minimize friction around the anus, and clean the anal area promptly after running to keep the area dry.

View Full Answer

How to treat pain from anal fissures

Treatment methods for anal fissure pain include warm water sitz baths, adjusting diet, improving bowel habits, topical medications for symptom relief, and surgical intervention when necessary. The appropriate approach should be selected based on the severity of the condition; most mild cases can be relieved with conservative treatment. If pain persists or worsens, bleeding becomes frequent, or signs of infection appear, prompt medical attention is recommended.

View Full Answer

What are the symptoms of anal fissure?

During an anal fissure episode, typical symptoms include severe pain during defecation, persistent pain after bowel movements, blood on the stool surface, itching around the anus, and difficulty passing stool. When patients with anal fissures pass bowel movements, dry feces rub against the fissure wound, stimulating nerve endings and causing intense pain, often described as burning or cutting in nature. The pain usually temporarily subsides after defecation ends.