How does an anal fissure heal the fastest?
The healing time of an anal fissure varies depending on the severity of the symptoms of the anal fissure, as well as individual factors such as the duration of symptoms and the patient's age. Generally, healing of an anal fissure takes several weeks. Common symptoms include itching with anal fissures, but bleeding can also occur. Accelerating the healing process requires a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, thorough wound care, and targeted treatments such as ointments and creams. There are also certain suppositories that can support the healing process of anal fissures, relieve the symptoms of the anal fissure, and aid wound healing after an anal fissure surgery. Learn more here about the comprehensive measures you can take to speed up the healing of anal tears. In any case, remain patient and consistent with the treatment of the anal fissure to promote and accelerate healing.
Fiber-rich diet and adequate fluid intake
One of the most effective methods to accelerate healing in anal fissures is increasing fiber intake. Fiber helps keep stool soft, which reduces pressure on the anal fissure or anal mucosa and promotes the healing of anal tears. Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Along with a fiber-rich diet, it is important to drink enough water. Adequate fluid intake helps keep stool soft in combination with fiber and prevents constipation, which could worsen the anal fissure. Find more detailed information here about the role of nutrition in preventing anal fissures.
Regular Exercise and Sports
Moderate physical activity can promote digestion and gut health and prevent constipation. Make sure to move regularly to best support the healing process. In addition, physical activity can also increase overall blood circulation in the body, which can promote the healing of anal fissures by delivering more nutrients and oxygen to the affected tissue. Read more about preventing anal fissures in the blog post here. Preventing Anal Fissures.
Sitz baths
Warm sitz baths are a proven method to relieve pain from anal fissures and to promote healing. For example, add chamomile to the bathwater to enhance the soothing effects. Home remedies like warm sitz baths are considered a proven method to relieve symptoms of anal fissures. They can help relax the sphincter muscle and improve blood circulation in the anal area. Better blood flow in the anal region can in turn contribute to the healing of the fissure. Regularly taking warm sitz baths can thus accelerate the healing process. However, note that home remedies for anal fissures certainly cannot replace medical treatment of an anal fissure. Learn more about alternative therapy approaches for anal fissures or directly about the herbal treatment of anal fissures in the blog post.
Topical Treatments and Medications
The use of certain medications helps you reduce the symptoms of anal fissure and support the healing process of the anal tear. These medications can be administered in the form of oral tablets, ointments, or rectal suppositories such as CANNEFF® SUP. Certain medications can be used to reduce the increased tension in the anal canal or sphincter muscle. By relaxing the sphincter muscle, healing is promoted and the symptoms of anal fissure are alleviated. There are also special ointments and creams for treating anal fissures that contain ingredients such as lidocaine for pain relief or nitroglycerin to relax the muscles around the anus. These can accelerate healing by reducing pain and relaxing the muscles.
Suppositories with anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving active ingredients
For Treatment of an anal fissure various suppositories are often used. Suppositories can have anti-inflammatory as well as pain-relieving and healing-promoting properties. Many suppositories contain lidocaine and primarily help to relieve pain and Anal itching to relieve. Suppositories act quickly and locally and can thus support the healing and effective relief of the symptoms of an anal fissure. The exact choice of suppository depends on the individual clinical picture. Often, a combination of ointments and suppositories is used to achieve the best possible effect.
To support the healing of mucosal fissures, many patients rely on CANNEFF® SUP rectal suppositories with Hyaluronic acid and CBDDue to the emulsion matrix, the delivery of hyaluronic acid is increased fivefold (5x) compared to conventional rectal suppositories. Additionally, they contain CANNEFF® SUP Suppositories Cannabidiol (CBD) in medical quality. CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, while hyaluronic acid supports the healing of the mucous membrane and promotes the formation of new tissue. With CANNEFF® SUP suppositories, you can effectively relieve your symptoms of anal fissures and support the healing process of tears in the anus. CANNEFF® SUP rectal suppositories are considered particularly effective treatments for small as well as deep fissures and lesions in the anal and rectal area, as well as for supporting wound healing after colorectal surgeries such as an anal fissure operation. Find some helpful tips for the correct use and dosage of suppositories for the treatment of anal fissures, as well as to support tissue healing after an anal fissure surgery in the blog post Anal Fissure Treatment Suppositories.
Why does the anal fissure not heal?
If an acute anal fissure has not healed after six weeks of conservative treatment, it is referred to as a chronic anal fissure. In such cases, the doctor may suggest a surgical procedure, the anal fissure surgery. Surgery for an anal fissure may also be considered earlier if the severity of symptoms and the patient's suffering require it. Surgery can also be relevant in cases of complications from the anal fissure, such as additional problems like skin tags or even anal fistulas. The main surgical treatment for a chronic anal fissure is the so-called fissurectomy. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the ulcerated and inflamed tissue. The wound is then left open to heal rather than being closed. Read more here about anal fissure surgery or the general treatment of an anal fissure.
Find further information about the operation and aftercare in the blog post about experiences with anal fissure surgery.
How can I speed up healing of anal fissures?
The healing and treatment of an anal fissure can take a long time, but there are many proven methods and therapeutic approaches to speed up the healing process of anal fissures. Supporting the healing process in anal fissures includes both self-care and targeted medical measures.
Stool Regulation and Straining Behavior
Avoid straining during bowel movements. Gentle bowel movements are crucial to minimize pressure on the fissure. Avoid sitting for long periods and straining on the toilet. Both constipation and hard stools as well as frequent diarrhea can promote anal fissures and worsen symptoms. For the fissure to heal, soft (but not liquid) stools are important. In cases of severe constipation, the doctor may recommend special medications to soften the stool. Taking psyllium husks can also have a beneficial effect on stool consistency.
Medication Therapy
Your doctor can prescribe special medications that help relieve pain and promote healing. These include painkillers, muscle relaxants for the anal muscles, or even special ointments to aid healing. In many people with anal fissures, the tension in the internal anal sphincter is increased. Ointments containing active ingredients from the group of so-called calcium antagonists (such as nifedipine or diltiazem) can effectively counteract this tension in the sphincter. They promote blood flow in the anal mucosa and thus relax the sphincter. The duration of use is about three to eight weeks. Local anesthetic preparations and ointments for application, such as those containing lidocaine, can also be used. However, they do not speed up the healing of anal fissures but can relieve pain in the anus.
Anal dilator
In addition to or in combination with medication therapy, an anal dilator can be used. This is a cone-shaped aid that the affected person inserts into the anus several times a day. The gentle stretching is intended to relax the cramped sphincter muscle.
Medical follow-up care
If the symptoms of the anal fissure do not improve despite treatment, you should consult a specialist in proctology. The doctor can perform additional diagnostic measures and possibly recommend targeted therapy and treatment of the anal fissure.
Avoidance of irritating foods
Spicy, fatty, or heavily seasoned foods can further irritate the anal mucosa. Make sure to avoid such foods to not impair the healing process of the fissure.
How can I further support wound healing in anal fissures?
Wound healing in anal fissures is an important step towards full recovery. There are some additional factors to consider for your lifestyle and daily routine. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption impair the regeneration of the anal mucosa by reducing blood circulation and oxygen supply to the tissue. Nicotine narrows blood vessels, which also delays the healing of the anal fissure. Alcohol, on the other hand, can irritate the mucosa and promote inflammatory reactions in the body. Additionally, an unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, and chronic stress can negatively affect the healing process, as they may weaken the immune system and slow down metabolism, which is crucial for the regeneration of tissue and the anal mucosa. Here are some proven tips on how you can support wound healing or the healing of the anal fissure:
Anal hygiene and care
Keep the anal area clean and dry. Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and avoid harsh cleaning agents. Gently pat the anal area dry instead of rubbing to avoid irritation.
Psychosocial stress and effective stress reduction
Psychosocial stress and corresponding stress reduction also play a significant role in the healing process of anal fissures. Stress is often associated with digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea and can thereby increase the risk of anal fissures. Stress also directly affects digestion and the entire gastrointestinal tract. Under stress, the body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which influence bowel movements and can lead to problems such as constipation or diarrhea. Both digestive disorders can strain the anal mucosa and are therefore also considered causes of anal fissures. Anal fissuresUse known relaxation techniques such as yoga, light physical activity, and meditation. Read more here about Causes of anal fissures or how you can prevent anal fissures.
Regular check-ups with the doctor
Regularly monitor the healing of anal fissures and watch for signs of infection or worsening. If symptoms of the anal fissure persist or worsen, you should promptly consult a doctor or specialist. Complications such as recurring fissures, but also anal abscesses or even complicated anal fistulas can occur. Find more information on diagnosis and examinations for anal fissures in the blog post Anal Fissure Doctor.
Complementary home remedies and naturopathy
Some alternative remedies or certain home remedies can have a soothing effect on the skin in the anal area and support healing as part of the treatment of anal fissures. Warm sitz baths can also accelerate the healing process. They promote blood circulation and relax the muscles. However, these complementary remedies for anal fissures should be understood as supplementary measures and not as a substitute for medical treatments. The effectiveness of home remedies and natural remedies is mostly not scientifically proven and depends on several individual factors.
