Treatment for anal fissure?

Posted , 3 users are following.

So I'll spare you the somewhat lengthy details of what led up to this point but in short I previously had a painful skin tag. I had it successfully removed in early 2019 but late last year I started experiencing pain during bowel movements again. I figured it was another tag but I was diagnosed with a fissure and told to treat it with Desitin (diaper rash cream), which, to my surprise, worked wonders in providing relief. Over the past few months the pain would occasionally return (thought not nearly as severe as it had been) but I would use Desitin each time which again seemed to work.

However, over the past few weeks the fissure has returned to the level of pain I had when I was initially diagnosed with the fissure. I've been using Desitin but for whatever reason it hasn't been nearly as effective this time around (in fact it's been having no effect at all as of late). And based on a pretty painful bowel movement I had earlier today I'm afraid it's on the verge of getting significantly worse.

I'm planning on making significant changes to my diet in hopes of giving the fissure more time to heal in between bowel movements (I've historically been someone who has bowel movements pretty frequently) but I'm wondering about treatment options that might speed up the healing process. I've read about Rectogesic cream but the potential side effect of bad headaches is concerning (I'm also on medication for chronic headaches and would prefer not to exacerbate that situation if possible).

Does anyone have suggestions as to alternative over-the-counter treatment options (creams or otherwise)? I use Preparation-H wipes regularly as well as Tucks but the relief they provide is slim to none. I also unfortunately don't currently have a bath at my place so that isn't an option for relief either.

Dietary recommendations are also welcome. I've been wanting to experiment with a liquid diet but am a bit nervous about trying that without a doctor's approval.

Thanks so much and my heart goes out to others dealing with these kinds of issues.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    rectogesic headaches last a few days, then your body gets used to it. there's also dialtaziem (sp?) but the main side effect for that is itchiness.

    diet: avoid white flour foods and anything else that could constipate you, incorporate magnesium oxide/citrate supplement daily, flaxseed, kiwis, apricots in your diet.

  • Posted

    Hi Brad,

    I have been diagnosed with a fissure and have been using rectogesic for 4 weeks now.

    The headaches initially lasted 30 minutes then went away. They were not as bad.

    Still using it and I havent had a headache since week 2. I guess my body got used to it.

    I have also changed my diet (more fibre food) and am using laxatives. Cramps are the side effects but I am so scared my stool wont be soft and am on the floor in agony again. .

    Did you insert the Desitin or just on the surface for relief?

    All the best.

  • Posted

    Hi Brad,

    I have been diagnosed with a fissure and have been using rectogesic for 4 weeks now.

    The headaches initially lasted 30 minutes then went away. They were not as bad.

    Still using it and I havent had a headache since week 2. I guess my body got used to it.

    I have also changed my diet (more fibre food) and am using laxatives. Cramps are the side effects but I am so scared my stool wont be soft and am on the floor in agony again. .

    Did you insert the Desitin or just on the surface for relief?

    All the best.

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