When the skin of the anus gets cut or damaged, that is called an anal fissure. It is very similar to what happens when our dry lips get chaffed. Fissures typically bleed and cause pain, which is why they are often confused with haemorrhoids/ piles. When the anal muscles are stretched too far, it usually causes strain on the anus. This can occur to people who suffer from constipation or prolonged diarrhoea.

It also occurs for older patients due to decreased blood flow to the anal area. It is not uncommon for women to develop anal fissures after giving birth as well. And it can also happen to people who have Crohn’s disease.

With more severe cases of anus tearing, an external lump will form on the anus. These are the sentinel piles tell-tale of chronic fissures. The issue of anal fissures can be solved by medicine or by surgery.