Skip to main contentA fissure is a small tear at the anus that makes passing stool very painful. Most heal with medicines, softer stools and simple care at home.
Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Gastro Surgeon · Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar · Gota OPD, Ahmedabad · 18 years of experience
Last updated: 4 October 2026
IN SHORT
An anal fissure is a small cut or tear in the thin skin that lines the opening of the anus. It usually happens when a hard or large stool stretches the skin. It can also follow a bout of loose motions.
The tear makes the ring muscle around the anus (the sphincter) go into spasm. The spasm causes more pain and reduces blood flow to the tear, so it heals slowly. Medical treatment works by breaking this cycle: soft stools, and relaxing the muscle.
The main symptom is sharp, cutting pain when you pass stool. The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours afterwards. Other signs are:
| New (acute) fissure | Old (chronic) fissure | |
|---|---|---|
| How long | A few days to a few weeks | Many weeks or months, or keeps coming back |
| Look | A clean, fresh tear | Deeper tear, often with a skin tag |
| Usual treatment | Soft stools, sitz baths, ointment | Same, plus a prescription ointment for longer |
| Outlook | Most heal with home care and medicines | Most still heal with medicines; a few need further treatment |
Home care is half of the treatment. Keep the stools soft every day, not just when the pain is bad. Wash the area gently with plain water after passing stool, and pat it dry. Avoid soap, scented wipes and harsh rubbing.
Spicy food does not cause a fissure, but if it makes the burning worse, cut down while the tear heals. Keep the soft-stool habits for some weeks after the pain stops, so the tear does not open again.
Most anal pain and bleeding is from a fissure or piles. But some signs need a proper check-up:
Read more about blood in the stool and when to get it checked.
Surgery is not the first step. It is considered only for a long-standing fissure that has not healed despite proper medical treatment. The doctor first examines you and checks that nothing else is causing the problem. The options are then explained, and you decide with your family.
Dr Harsh Shah is a surgical gastroenterologist with 18 years of experience. At his Gota OPD he treats anal fissure with medicines and home care, after a gentle examination. The OPD consultation fee is Rs 1,500. Read about what happens at your first visit, or see his gastro surgeon in Ahmedabad page.
Most do. A new fissure usually heals with softer stools, warm water sitz baths and a soothing ointment. An older fissure takes longer and often needs a prescription ointment.
No. A fissure is a small tear in the skin of the anus. Piles are swollen blood vessels. Both can bleed, but a fissure usually causes sharp pain during and after passing stool.
A new fissure often settles within a few weeks of treatment. An old, long-standing fissure can take a couple of months. Keep the stools soft even after the pain stops.
A numbing gel can ease pain for a while, but it does not heal the tear. The ointments that relax the muscle need a prescription, and the doctor tells you how to use them.
Only when a long-standing fissure does not heal despite proper medical treatment. The doctor examines you first and discusses the options before anything is decided.
OPD · Consultation
Shah’s Gastro, Cancer & Robotic Surgery Centre
SF-203, 2nd floor, Olive Greens, Gota, S G Highway, Ahmedabad 382481
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Hospital · Surgery
Apollo Hospital International Limited
Plot No. 1 A, GIDC Bhat Industrial Estate, Bhat, Gandhinagar
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Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology). Call +91 63555 64601 · Ask on WhatsApp
Painful stools or bleeding? Call the Gota OPD to book a consultation.
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