What does it mean if the skin around the anus is cracked? Thank you, Doctor.

Anal skin fissures are usually caused by multiple factors, including but not limited to anal fissures, perianal eczema, hemorrhoids, infections, or dry skin. An anal fissure refers to a tear in the skin or mucous membrane inside or at the opening of the anus, often resulting from excessively hard stools or constipation causing overstretching of the anal canal, accompanied by severe pain, especially during bowel movements. Perianal eczema is a skin condition characterized by redness, itching, dryness, and cracking of the skin, which may be caused by allergies, friction, or improper cleaning.

Maintaining cleanliness and dryness of the perianal area is important. Gently wash the anal region daily with warm water and pat dry using soft, non-irritating tissue paper. If the underlying cause is related to inflammatory conditions such as eczema or perianal dermatitis, active treatment of the primary condition is necessary, such as using calamine lotion or mometasone furoate cream for eczema management.