Can erythromycin ointment treat anal fissures?
Disease description:
Recently, I developed an anal fissure, and I experience severe pain during each bowel movement, accompanied by bleeding. I heard that erythromycin ointment can treat anal fissures—would like to ask whether it is truly effective?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Jingxiang
In general, erythromycin ointment cannot directly treat anal fissures.
Erythromycin ointment is a commonly used topical antibiotic primarily used to inhibit bacterial growth and reproduction, providing anti-infective effects, skin moisturization, and pain relief. Anal fissures are small ulcers formed from tears in the anal mucosa below the dentate line and are not directly caused by bacterial infection. Therefore, erythromycin ointment cannot directly treat anal fissures. However, it can be applied to the fissure to prevent or reduce infection caused by the fissure and may help relieve anal pain through its moisturizing effect.
For patients with anal fissures, the first step is to adjust their diet, increase dietary fiber intake, maintain regular bowel movements, and avoid constipation worsening the fissure. Secondly, warm sitz baths or local heat application can be used to relieve pain and promote healing of the fissure. Under a doctor's guidance, topical anesthetics or muscle relaxants may be used to alleviate pain and promote relaxation of the anal sphincter. If symptoms are severe or do not heal promptly, timely medical consultation is necessary. A specialist can evaluate the condition and choose an appropriate treatment plan, such as using glyceryl trinitrate ointment or considering surgical treatment.
