An anal fissure is a tear or ulcer in the lining of the anal canal, just inside the opening of your anus. They can be very painful, particularly when you are passing stools and for a while afterwards. Anal fissures can also cause minor bleeding, which you may notice in your stools or on your toilet paper.
Anal fissures can be classified in several different ways. They can either be acute or chronic, depending on how long you have had the anal fissure. They can also either be primary or secondary, depending on the cause of your anal fissure. These classifications are outlined below:
- Acute anal fissure is a fissure which has been present for less than six weeks.
- Chronic anal fissure is a fissure which has been present for six weeks, or more.
- Primary anal fissure is a fissure which has no identifiable underlying cause.
- Secondary anal fissure is a fissure which is caused by an underlying condition.
Anal fissures are a common problem and can occur in both adults and children.
