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Anal fissures: patterns and care

Published 22 February 2026 ·Last reviewed 22 February 2026 by the editorial team ·How we create our content

At a glance

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus. People often describe it as a sharp, burning, or cutting pain during or after a bowel movement. It is one of the most common causes of anal pain.

This page covers what people commonly experience, what tends to help or make things worse, and when to seek care.

Common patterns people report

Sharp pain during bowel movements, sometimes described as “like passing glass”
Pain that continues for minutes to hours after a bowel movement
Small amounts of bright red blood on toilet paper
A visible small tear or cut
Muscle spasm that worsens pain after the initial tear
Fear of bowel movements leading to avoidance, which can worsen constipation

What tends to help

Fiber and hydration — softening stools to reduce strain. People commonly try psyllium husk, adequate water intake, and dietary changes.
Sitz baths — warm water soaks for 10 to 15 minutes, particularly after bowel movements. Many people find this soothing.
Not delaying bowel movements — responding promptly to the urge rather than holding.
Prescribed topical treatments — a doctor may prescribe ointments to help with healing and spasm.

What tends to make things worse

Constipation and straining
Hard stools
Diarrhea (which can irritate the area)
Prolonged sitting
Avoiding bowel movements out of fear of pain
Spicy foods (some people report this as a trigger)

Talking to your doctor

If you are considering seeing a doctor, it can help to note:

When symptoms started
How often pain occurs
Whether you have noticed bleeding
What you have already tried
Whether symptoms are getting better, stable, or worse

Many people feel embarrassed discussing these symptoms. Doctors see these conditions regularly and can help.

Common questions

What is an anal fissure?

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus. It commonly causes sharp pain during and after bowel movements, and may cause minor bleeding.

How long does an anal fissure take to heal?

Many acute fissures heal within 4 to 8 weeks with conservative care. Some become chronic and may need further treatment. Timelines vary widely between individuals.

When to seek care Heavy bleeding or feeling faint? Get emergency help now. Emergency: 911

Not sure how urgent it is? Get help today.

Emergency
Heavy bleeding, black tarry stools, feeling faint, severe pain or trouble breathing.

Call 911 or go to the ER.
Today
Fever, pain getting worse, a hot swollen lump, or trouble passing urine.

Call your doctor or go to urgent care.
Soon
Bleeding or bowel changes nobody has checked, or anything lasting 3 weeks.

Book a doctor’s appointment.

Feeling overwhelmed? Call or text 988, any time.

See all the signs

For this topic, get medical advice if you notice:

Severe pain that is getting worse rather than better
Heavier or persistent bleeding that does not settle
Fever alongside anal pain or swelling
Symptoms lasting beyond 6 to 8 weeks without improvement
Significant swelling or a lump near the fissure
Pain that is preventing you from eating, sleeping, or going about daily activities

Recording how you feel is not the same as being checked. These are the signs that need a doctor’s attention.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room now if you have:

bleeding that will not stop, a lot of blood (the toilet water turns red, or you pass large clots), or any bleeding with feeling faint or dizzy
fainting, a racing heart or trouble breathing
confusion or slurred speech, extreme shivering, no urine in a day, or blotchy skin
sudden severe belly pain, or a swollen, hard belly with vomiting or not passing stool or gas
you cannot pass urine at all, or your bladder feels full and painful and you can’t empty it
redness, swelling or severe pain spreading quickly around your anus, genitals or groin, especially with a fever or feeling very ill
a fever with a painful swelling near your anus if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system (for example, from chemotherapy or transplant medicines)
black, tarry stools

Call your doctor or go to urgent care today (or the ER if you can’t be seen today) if you have:

a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, vomiting, or feeling generally unwell
pain that is getting worse over days, or severe pain that stops you sitting or sleeping
a hot, swollen or very tender lump near your anus or at the top of the crease between your buttocks, or foul-smelling discharge
trouble urinating
bleeding that is getting heavier or more frequent, or blood mixed into your stool
feeling much more tired than usual, looking pale, or getting out of breath more easily than you used to
not passing stool for several days, or new belly pain

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

you have never had these symptoms checked by a doctor or nurse — whatever your age
you have had rectal bleeding for more than 3 weeks
your bowel movements have been looser, thinner or more frequent than usual for 3 weeks or more, or you have lost weight without trying
symptoms have not settled after a week or so, or keep coming back
you notice a new lump near your anus, between your buttocks or in your belly, or an itch or discharge that does not clear
you have new leakage or trouble controlling your bowels
you are 45 or over, or have a family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, and any of these symptoms are new for you

If you are unsure, it is always reasonable to ask. If things feel overwhelming, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time. If you don’t feel safe, call 911.

Showing US care routes. Change region at the foot of the page.

Related symptoms

Bleeding Pain during bowel movements Pain after bowel movements Spasm or cramping Constipation

Discreet symptom tracking

Symptoms that come and go? Keep track, day by day.

For hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas and other anal and rectal problems. A short, discreet email asks how things have been, and saves each answer, so you can look back at every flare and every good week in your own words. If you haven’t had your symptoms checked, see your doctor first.

About ten seconds a check-in. No app, no password.
Nothing in the subject or preview says what it’s about.
Each Sunday, a link to your week, ready for your next appointment.

Start tracking →

Your notes

Your check-in

Takes about ten seconds.

20:00

Example. Nothing on the lock screen hints at symptoms or conditions.

Explore more

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The fissure healing cycle

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