It is a rupture or tear of the internal mucosa of the anus, usually in its middle and posterior portions.
There are multiple triggering causes including the passage of large hard stool through the anal canal, prolonged diarrhea, childbirth, inflammatory diseases of the colon and infectious diseases (syphilis, tuberculosis).
It manifests with intense anal pain that increases with defecation and may be accompanied by bleeding, typically staining the toilet paper after defecation. It is sometimes accompanied by anal itching and staining with mucus or yellowish mucus.
Diagnosis is clinical, by questioning and examination of the area.
In most cases, it is solved with conservative treatment: avoiding constipation and hard stools by eating foods with fiber and proper hydration. Other medications used: laxatives, local anesthetics in cream, vaseline or combinations of hydrocortisone and zinc oxide. In severe cases, surgical repair will be necessary.
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