Majority of anal fissure cases only need common treatments and do not require surgery. The usual remedy is bulking up one’s stool to make it more formed. Stool can also be softened through increased fluid intake, particularly pure water. When stool is soft, passing bowels is easy and the healing process is made possible. Topical anesthesia is also applied to reduce the pain in the affected area. Likewise, the patient is required to sit in warm tub baths a few times a day.
However, in cases of chronic anal fissure where surgery is required, the symptoms of itching and incontinence remain. Bowel incontinence is the inability to control the passing of stool, whether solid or liquid. Patients also cannot control their flatus. Incontinence is usually accompanied by anal itching. The skin in the buttocks suffers an infection, causing skin ulcers and other skin breakdowns in the anal area.
It is important to soothe and relax the muscles in the anus especially for patients with chronic anal fissure. The bleeding should be reduced so that the healing process will progress and pain will be diminished. While medication may be advised by physicians, it is also important to apply home remedies and lifestyle changes in order to relive the discomfort and improve the control in the digestive tract. It is also imperative that recurrences be prevented.
Following are some home remedies and lifestyle changes that can be done to address and treat itching and incontinence after anal fissure surgery:
- 1. Drink plenty of water. The fluid will not only aid in digestion but will also prevent constipation.
- 2. Stock up on fiber. Fiber will help keep the stool soft the so fissure will improve. Fiber supplements can also be taken. It should be noted that fiber may also cause bloating and gas and the increase should be done gradually.
- 3. Move around. Have moderate, regular exercise such as walking for 30 minutes a day. This helps increase the blood circulation in your body and promotes bowel movement.
- 4. Do not strain. When you are sitting in the toilet, do not exert too much pressure while passing bowels. You may cause new fissures to break out.
- 5. Have regular bowel movements. Do not restrain yourself when you feel the need to pass bowels. The more you hold it in, the more you are increasing the risk of constipation.
- 6. Infant care. If you have an infant who has an anal fissure, then be sure to change his diaper frequently. The heat will irritate his bum and worsen the condition.
- 7. Address the itching by applying topical ointments to soothe the pain and burning sensation. Avoid scratching and rubbing the affected area as it will only make matters more terrible – you may develop more scratches and cuts.
Even though there is a social stigma attached to this condition, you do not have to be embarrassed if you are suffering from incontinence. It is a medical condition that can be treated and managed. As you change your diet and your lifestyle, your bowel movements will become normal and you will regain control.