Anal Fissures

An anal fissure is a shallow crack or tear in the lining of the anus (opening where poop comes out). When your baby or child has a poop, this bothers the tissue around the tear and may cause really bad pain. Fissures are most common in infants and young children.

Causes:

Often they are caused by trying to pass large, hard stool (poop). This causes the anus to stretch leading to a small crack or tear. Most infants and young children get better once their poop is softer.

Symptoms:

• Babies will probably cry loudly when having a poop.
• Young children will probably cry and tell you that their bum hurts when they have to go poop.
• You may see streaks of blood on the diaper, toilet paper or underwear.

• You may notice them scratching their anal area or complaining it is itchy.

Prevention:

• Encourage them to drink lots of water every day to help avoid constipation.
• Give then foods that are high in fiber like eating whole grain bread (ask for sheet about constipation).
• Encourage your child to be active.

Treatment:

Consult your physician.

See your Doctor IF:

• Your baby or child still has pain, even after treatment for a few days.
• There is a lot of bleeding when they have a poop.