If you are suffering from intense pain and burning sensation during bowel movement, there is a possibility that you have anal fissure. Perhaps you will wonder if you have a hemorrhoid due to similar sensations. It is best to consult your doctor to know the real cause of your anal discomfort and the right medication to treat it.
So, what do anal fissures look like? What color is it?
It is important that you know what anal fissure looks like. You can browse images of this anal fissure and then learn why it feels like a sharp razor blade is cutting through your anus every time you have bowel movement. You may also see blood when you wipe using a toilet paper. It is an indication of anal fissure. The pain is felt during and after (10-15 minutes) bowel movement. It is more painful when your stool is hard and unusually large.
Anal fissure is a small skin cut in the anus area in line or near the buttocks’ cleft. It is common among children and adult who have hard time eliminating body wastes through excretion. Its primary cause is trauma or strain that affects tissues of anal canal (anoderm) along the dentate line. Anoderm does not have oil or sweat glands. It is sensitive to pains and traumas because of its numerous somatic sensory nerves. When the muscles in this area are subjected to constant strenuous contraction, it results to anal fissures.
Another cause is prolonged period of severe diarrhea which causes small cuts in the anoderm. About 80-90% of anal fissures are found to be near posterior midline. The rest occurs along anterior midline. The posterior and anterior midlines are known to be the weakest anal zones where sphincter fibers are decussated. During bowel movement, the pressure of partial eversion is heightened in these areas. There is less blood flow in the anoderm which causes ischemia resulting to skin ulcer or fissures. Constant anal sphincter movements tear the muscles and skin of the anal canal. This brings severe burning pains and prevents the skin to heal normally. Once a tear is formed, a painful bowel movement cycle is developed unless immediate treatment is applied.
The skin around the anal fissure usually is off-color hue just like any small cut or wound you have. When it is near blood vessels, you will notice that it is purple or crimson. You can ask your doctor when you subject yourself to examination and medication. Understanding your condition helps you manage or treat your anal fissure.
There are two types of anal fissure- acute and chronic:
* Chronic anal fissure
It is a condition which does not heal after 4 weeks. It is usually characterized with sentinel tag or hypertrophy on the fissure’s edges. There is a visible induration along these edges and fibrosis of exposed internal sphincter fibers of the anus.
* Acute anal fissure
It is a superficial cut or tear along the anal canal’s squamous lining in particular to its vertical axis area between dentate line and anal verge. With constant spasms due to hard stools, the tear can expose the internal sphincter of the anus when it becomes deep.
Now, that you understand what do anal fissures look like? What color is it? You know better how to cure your anal fissure or prevent it from happening to spare yourself from agony of pains.
