An anal fissure is a cut or tear in the lining of the anus. Preventing constipation and keeping the area clean can help it heal.

An anal fissure can occur when a child passes a large or hard stool (poop), which stretches the lining of the anus until it tears. It also can happen when frequent diarrhea irritates the lining.

A child with an anal fissure may have pain or itching in the area, especially during and after bowel movements. You may also see blood on the stool, baby wipes, or toilet tissue.

In infants, anal fissures are very common and tend to heal completely with basic care, including soaks and ointment. In older kids and teens, the cuts can take several weeks or longer to heal and sometimes tear open again.

Drinking plenty of fluids, taking stool softeners, eating foods with fiber, and exercising regularly can help treat and prevent fissures by making bowel movements easier to pass. Keeping the area clean and applying ointments can relieve pain and speed healing. Rarely, a fissure doesn't heal and the health care provider may recommend surgery.

• If your child's health care provider has prescribed a medicated ointment, you or your child should apply it as directed.
• If your child is not toilet-trained, change diapers frequently and clean the area gently after bowel movements.
• Soak the area by sitting your child in a tub of warm water (without soap or bubble bath) for 10–20 minutes to reduce pain following a bowel movement and to keep the area clean.
• Children older than 6 months should eat foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits.
• Offer your child plenty of fluids to drink. Most school-age kids need 3–4 glasses of water a day. Infants who are transitioning to solid food can be given a few ounces of water or fruit juice (prune, pear, or apple) each day.
• Make sure your child gets regular exercise, which gets the intestines moving.

Your child has:

• Continued diarrhea.
• Belly pain.
• An increase in bleeding from the anus.