What you can do at home

  • Keep stools soft with a high-fibre diet and plenty of water
  • Sit in lukewarm water a few times a day (sitz bath)
  • Avoid straining hard during a bowel movement
  • Do not hold back a bowel movement out of fear of pain

When to see a doctor

If the pain does not ease after a few weeks of care, if bleeding increases, or if the fissure keeps coming back, consult a specialist. Medicines or surgery may be needed.

A long-standing fissure does not heal on its own — get treatment without delay.