Can Chronic Diarrhoea Lead to Fissures?

Diarrhoea is a disease that is common to millions of people around the globe and sometimes can be very embarrassing. While it’s commonly associated with abdominal cramps, bloating, and urgency, there’s another problem that many people may not realise: anal fissures. These painful tears or cuts around the anus can develop due to frequent diarrhoea and other complications will follow. Therefore, can chronic diarrhoea really cause fissures? Now let’s look more closely at this link.

Understanding Chronic Diarrhoea

Chronic diarrhoea is characterized by passage of loose or watery stool for a period exceeding four weeks. It can be triggered by infections, IBD’s such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, food intolerances or even some medications. The symptoms are not only an irritation; they are a hindrance to normal functioning, and can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and fatigue.

Besides, the side effects of the constant passing of loose stools include issues to do with personal cleanliness. This can cause other issues like skin rash, and sometimes formation of painful fissures in the anus.

What Are Anal Fissures?

Anal fissures are small injuries or rents in the thin mucosal lining that surrounds the anus. They may appear when the skin is overstretched or when an area is repeatedly traumatized. Even though constipation is the primary cause of fissures, persistent diarrhoea can also lead to the formation of the condition.

The skin around the anus is thin and when the stools are often or soft or even acidic, they cause the skin to chap. This irritation can lead to serious cracks, which might cause pain during and after defecation. If the fissures are not treated they may worsen to become chronic and cause severe pain.

How Chronic Diarrhoea Can Lead to Fissures

Chronic diarrhoea causes constant irritation of the skin surrounding the anus. The skin can become raw and red and if exposed to water for long periods then it becomes worse. In the long run, it leads to development of small breakages on the skin surface referred to as fissures. It is even worse when the same process involves wiping and cleaning since it can aggravate the area and make the fissures deeper.

Also, diarrhoea may sometimes be more acidic, particularly when it is due to infections or food intolerance. The acid in the stool can cause irritation of the skin around the anus leading to cracks or fissures. The frequent bowel movements, moisture and irritation all work hand in hand to cause these painful tears.

Risk Factors for Fissures in Diarrhoea Sufferers

Although not all patients with chronic diarrhoea will have anal fissures, there are predisposing factors. Here are a few:

1. Duration and Frequency: The longer the diarrhoea lasts the more likely you are to get fissures. In case the diarrhoea becomes more frequent, then the risk of skin breakdown rises.
2. Underlying Conditions: Patients with IBD, IBS or other inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders are particularly at risk of developing both diarrhoea and fissures.
3. Poor Hygiene: Failure to clean the anal area adequately after defecation is likely to aggravate the inflammation and result in cracks. However, too much wiping can also be quite detrimental to the skin as well, this is because.
4. Dehydration: The illness also results in diarrhoea, which in the long run leads to dehydration of the skin hence it becomes prone to cracking and tearing.
5. Dietary Factors: Spicy, acidic, or very fatty foods can worsen diarrhoea, increasing the risk of anal irritation and fissures.

Symptoms of Fissures in People with Chronic Diarrhoea

If you have a history of diarrhoea and feel pain around the anus area, then it is wise to look for symptoms of anal fissures. Common symptoms include:

• Sharp Pain: A burning sensation that occurs before, during or after defecation.
• Bleeding: Bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl after a bowel movement.
• Itching and Irritation: Itching around the anal area and skin inflammation caused by moisture.
• Visible Tears: Presence of small fissures or little lesions around the anus.

If you have any of these signs, you should seek medical advice. If left alone, they may worsen the situation and result in chronic pain, or even infections.

Treatment and Prevention

Chronic diarrhoea and anal fissures are conditions that should be treated together to avoid worsening of the situation.

1. Managing Diarrhoea

• Medication: Antidiarrheal agents or antibiotics can be used to manage diarrhoea depending on the cause that is ailing the patient.
• Dietary Adjustments: Staying away from foods that can cause irritation such as spicy foods, dairy, or caffeine may help to prevent diarrhoea.
• Probiotics: It is suggested that taking probiotics can improve the gut flora balance and decrease the number of diarrheal episodes.

2. Treating Anal Fissures

• Topical Creams and Ointments: Creams with hydrocortisone or nitroglycerin prescribed by a doctor can reduce the risk of fissures, as well as treat the existing ones and eliminate the pain.
• Sitz Baths: It is possible to take a warm water bath for 10-15 minutes several times a day for the wound to heal and minimize the pain.
• Pain Relief: One can use some analgesic or anesthetic ointment that can be purchased without a prescription.
• Surgical Treatment: In some cases, the patient may require surgery to either cut the scar tissue or to suture the fissure.

3. Prevention

• Good Hygiene: The area should be clean and dry at all times. Pat the area with mild unscented wipes or warm water in the event of defecation.
• Moisturise: Using a barrier cream around the anus will reduce the chances of skin irritation.
• Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is important in avoiding skin problems such as dehydration and increasing skin’s tone and elasticity.

Even though chronic diarrhoea may not be very comfortable, it can cause painful issues like anal fissures. It is important to know that fissures do not occur in every case of diarrhoea but those that experience more or severe diarrhoea are most likely to get it. The relationship between these two conditions can also be explained to you in detail so that you can effectively prevent any further discomfort.

If you are suffering from chronic diarrhoea or think you may have anal fissures then you should consult a doctor. At GEM Hospital, we effectively manage and treat gastrointestinal conditions and can take care of chronic diarrhoea and anal fissures. Call us today and schedule your visit to Book Your Appointment with us – the first step toward a healthier digestive system.