What's the difference between hemorrhoids and an anal fissure?
I’ve been having a little bit of bleeding and a very sharp pain as I go for a poo. I have been using hemorrhoid ointment for the past week both internally and externally and although it is getting a bit better it has not completely disappeared – the blood has gone but the pain is still very much there.
How do I get rid of this? It’s horrible
July 11th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Hi YoYo,
A hemorrhoid is an inflamed vein around the anus. And an anal fissure is a tear in the skin of the anal canal.
Well it seems like the ointment is doing the trick. In the meantime, you should try to avoid straining on the toilet (this will irritate the problem even further). You can accomplish this by consuming more fiber and water – try eating more vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains and oatmeal.
You want to avoid constipation and straining on the toilet at all cost. The results of straining during a bowel movement are never good.
Hope this helps
July 11th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Colace or such for a couple weeks, soften the stool.
July 11th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
A hemorrhoid is actually part of your anal canal but when it becomes inflamed, that’s when it begins to hurt, sometimes leading to rectal bleeding. Anal fissure on the other hand, is a crack or tear in the anal canal.
It’s good that that hemrrhoid ointment is helping a little bit. Which hemorrhoid ointment are you using. If have found that witch hazel ointment works the best in alleviating the pain, itch and discomfort.
There are also witch hazel wipes that you can use instead of tissue paper. As TP can very harsh when you’ve got hemorrhoids. Failing that, use water. I know many of us in the Western world may find that a bit gross to have to use our hands, but it is so much more gentler.
Hope this helps.