Care Advice
What You Should Know About Anal Fissures:
- An anal tear is the most common cause of blood in the stools.
- This is called an anal fissure.
- It causes blood on the surface of a stool.
- Blood may also be found on toilet tissue after wiping.
- It is caused by passing a hard or large stool.
- Here is some care advice that should help until you talk with your doctor.
Warm Saline Baths:
- Give a warm salt water bath for 20 minutes.
- Add 2 ounces (60 mL) of table salt to a tub of warm water. You can also use baking soda.
- Do 2 times per day for 1 day to cleanse the area and to help healing.
Steroid Ointment:
- If the anus seems red, use 1% hydrocortisone ointment (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed.
- Put a little around the anus.
- Use 2 times per day for 1 day to help healing.
High-Fiber Diet:
- For children more than 1 year old, change the diet.
- Increase fruits, vegetables and grains (fiber).
- Reduce milk products to 3 servings per day.
- If Constipation is the cause, see that care guide.
What to Expect:
- Most often, anal tears heal up quickly with home treatment.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Bleeding gets worse
- Small bleeding occurs more than 2 times
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.