Ask the doctor: What can I do about an anal fissure?
Ask the doctor
Simple home remedies can help. It's important to relax the anal sphincter and keep stools soft and regular. The mainstay of therapy is added fiber in the diet (fruits and vegetables are good sources) or from a supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel). Plenty of fluid is also important. If fiber and fluid don't do the trick, try an over-the-counter stool softener. To help relax the sphincter and relieve pain, take a warm sitz bath after bowel movements. Vaseline (petroleum jelly) may also ease your symptoms.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.