Anal fissures are painful, small cracks that appear around the anus. As anyone who has had anal fissures knows, they can be very painful, irritating and hard heal. Below is some great advice and information regarding anal fissures, and how to overcome them.

The main symptom associated with anal fissures is pain during defecation. This can be during and immediately after the bowel movement. This can also be accompanied by bright red blood which you may find either dripping in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper.

Anal fissures can also be extremely itchy. The problem with this is when the individual scratches the area, the cuts are re-opened and this makes the healing time take even longer. The itchiness can be especially severe during night time. Some people may scratch at the area all night without even knowing they are doing it.

To try to prevent anal fissures from occurring, have a healthy lifestyle. High fiber foods, plenty of exercise and water can help prevent anal fissures from occurring. You should especially follow these guidelines if you have already had an anal fissure as you will be a prime candidate for getting another one.

If you do have them though, you may want to get some relief of the painful and itchy symptoms. Certain creams can both soothe and help heal the area. Your doctor should be able to prescribe the treatments that you need. Be careful however to read the guidelines for these creams however, as some may cause other problems if used for more than a week at a time.

Warm baths containing epsom salts are also know to help heal and soothe the area. Also, take your time when wiping your anus after defecation to limit stress and damage to the area. You can also use moist wipes but be careful to use ones that do not contain alcohol. Likewise, the toilet paper you use should be plain and not contain any dyes or fragrances. The soap should also be natural and low irritant to prevent further inflammation.

Finally, you should always see your doctor first if you think you may have anal fissures. The symptoms of anal fissures can also be a variety of other diseases or infections, and it is important to rule these out. A quick visit to your doctor will put your mind at ease and set you on your way to recovery.