fissure treatment at home - #18966

I’ve been struggling with anal fissures for a while now, and they’ve become quite painful. I’ve been told they’re small tears in the skin around the anus, but I’m unsure about how to effectively treat them at home and avoid further complications. Could you explain what causes anal fissures, how to treat them at home, and when I should seek medical help? From what I understand, anal fissures are commonly caused by passing hard stools or straining during bowel movements, but can other factors contribute, such as poor diet, dehydration, or certain health conditions like Crohn’s disease? How can I make dietary changes or adopt habits that prevent anal fissures from happening in the first place? I’ve tried using over-the-counter creams and ointments for pain relief, but I’m wondering if there are more effective treatments I can try at home. What are the best home remedies for relieving the pain associated with anal fissures, and how do products like hydrocortisone creams or petroleum jelly help soothe the skin? Should I be using warm baths, or are there other methods, such as cold compresses, that might help heal the fissures? In addition to topical treatments, what lifestyle changes can help prevent further damage to the skin around the anus? How can I improve my bowel movements to reduce strain, and is it helpful to use stool softeners or increase fiber intake to make the process easier and less painful? Lastly, if anal fissures persist or become chronic, what are the next steps? When should I seek medical attention, and what treatments might a doctor recommend for more severe fissures, such as surgical options or botox injections? How do doctors ensure that anal fissures don’t lead to long-term issues like infections or scarring?