Anal fissures or tears in the anal area are common in the elderly. This is due to the age-related loss of skin elasticity in the area. Commonly low hydration level among the elderly also results in constipation, the most common cause of anal tearing.
Methods on how to treat anal fissures in the elderly usually involve a lot of hydration strategies. These treatments are done at home and require lifestyle changes.
The first line of treatment for anal fissure is plenty of hydration. This is most especially required for the elderly because they are more prone to dehydration. They should consume at least 10 glasses of water daily in order to soften the stool and ease bowel movement. Caffeine-rich food should also be avoided because they can cause dehydration.
The elderly should also consume fiber-rich food like whole grains, nuts, beans, prunes, citrus fruits, and bran. They should take in more than the required daily amounts because they need more in order to facilitate regular bowel movement. Having a routine bowel movement helps prevent hardening of stools in the lower digestive tract. The elderly should also be advised not to delay defecation when the urge is there. Doing this could disrupt their body’s normal cycle for bowel movement.
When trying to defecate, the elderly should be taught about (or assisted to) the right position during bowel movement. A small stool should support the feet when sitting on the toilet. This position minimizes the pressure on the anus. After that, wet wipes should be used in cleaning the anal area instead of regular tissue paper. Wet wipes are softer when they come in contact with the skin and most of them are hypoallergenic and gentle.
It is also best to consult a doctor for the right prescription drugs. Commonly, creams and ointments are used to alleviate pain and hasten the recovery of existing anal fissures. The directions of how to apply them must be strictly followed in order to avoid irritation, especially by older people who have thinner and more sensitive skin.
The doctor may also suggest over-the-counter laxatives like Milk of Magnesia in order to soften the stools and let them pass in the anus without or with very minimal pain. However, the intake of these medications should not be done habitually in order to prevent both drug dependence and the gradual increase of required dose.
Because the elderly have drier and less elastic skin, they are more prone to chronic anal fissures or slower healing process of the tear in the anus. They may undergo surgery in order to correct the problem. But then, they are also prone to post-surgical infection because of their old age. Because of this contradiction, all home treatment methods must first be exhausted before considering surgery as treatment in the elderly.
Of course, the best way on how to treat anal fissures in the elderly is through preventive treatment methods. Factors that cause anal tearing should be avoided by old people. They should be also advised to stick to a regular bowel movement routine that will keep the stools from becoming hard in the lower digestive tract.
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