Anal fissures are small tears in the mucosa lining the anus; they can occur upon passage of hard or large stools during a bowel movement, usually cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements, and can also produce spasms in the anal sphincter.
Anal fissures are very common in young children, but they can affect people of all ages.
In most cases, they improve with simple treatments, such as increasing fiber intake or sitz baths. However, some people with anal fissures may need medication or occasionally even surgery.
