Anal Fissures

Anal fissures are inflamed tears or ulcers that arise between the mucous membranes and the outermost skin of the anus. The sharp, sticking, cramping pain that occurs after a bowel movement, lasting up to an hour later, is typical because the fissure rests on the anal sphincter muscle, which spasms upon contact with passing stool. Stains of fresh blood on the toilet paper are common.
Anal fissures are caused by the combination of straining due to constipation and irritated dry skin from excessive rubbing, rough toilet paper, or large, hard stools. Because of the humidity and constant exposure to fecal waste, this area is slow to heal and requires some diligence in treatment. Since a bowel movement is painful, constipation is not only a common cause, but also a result of anal fissures, for the most part; children and older adults are affected.
Constipation needs to be dealt with immediately, before fissures can heal. Adding fiber and fluids to the diet will bring relief by softening the faeces. Eat plenty of fruits such as apples, pears, pineapples, prunes, figs and drink juices such as beetroot, carrot or celery juice, bran, i.e. wheat bran should be avoided as it is too rough on the tissues oat bran is good however, since it’s a soluble form of fiber. Psyllium husks http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11291/Solgar-Psyllium-Husks-Fibre-500mg---200-Vegetable-Capsules/with plenty of water will give the desired results. Flax seed oil http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/45011/Emile-Noel-Flax-Seed-Oil-250ml/, two to three tablespoons a day aids in softening the stools as does milled linseed/ flaxseed ,http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/12110/A.-Vogel-Linoforce-Granules-300g/ two to three tablespoons a day in your porridge each morning – flaxseed aids by lubricating the mucous walls of the colon. Refined and processed foods and dairy products can be constipating, as is high levels of refined sugar in the diet, so avoid these.
Red meat also can have a constipating effect if eaten in excess – try to eat small quantities of red meat or avoid completely. Eating plenty of vegetables is always important; make sure they are organic and fresh as possible.
Healing can be supported by using manuka honey with UMF of at least 20 http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44233/Manuka-Health-Manuka-Honey-MGO400---500g/. Apply to the mucous membranes at least twice a day. This honey will aid healing as well as stopping any infections occurring around the fissure, which may slow down healing.
Keep anal area meticulously clears by washing gently with a cotton cloth soaked in a warm Chamomile http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/41792/Atlantic-Aromatics-Camomile-%2816%25%29-in-Jojoba-5ml/and witch hazel infusion.http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/18148/Potters-Witch-Hazel-Distilled-75ml/ Witch hazel shrinks blood vessels and chamomile speeds healing. You can use chamomile tea bags to make the infusion or the flowers to make the infusion.
Another herb with an excellent reputation in speeding up healing of fissures and ulcers is the Chinese herb, Astragalushttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44624/Astragalus-Tincture-215ml/ , a herb with a long history of use supporting the immune system and aiding healing of wounds. Astragalus can be taken in capsule or tincture form everyday to build up ones immune system while aiding healing of the fissure.