An important part of the treatment for anal fissures is to ease the pain and to keep the bowel movements soft whilst the healing process continues. Here are some measures to help: -- Take pain relievers such as paracetamol but avoid codeine which can cause constipation. -- Warm soaking baths are soothing and help the anus to relax. -- Use baby wipes instead of toilet paper. -- Wash the anus carefully with water only, after going to the toilet and dry very gently. -- Apply petroleum jelly to the anus. -- Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals such as brown rice, bread and pasta as this provides fiber in your diet. You can even add bran or other fiber supplements to your diet. -- Adults should drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day (preferably water) - some of this liquid will be passed out in the gut and help to soften the faeces. Your urine should be no darker than pale yellow. Avoid alcoholic drinks as they can be dehydrating. -- Always go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need - putting off this action may cause bigger and harder faeces to form and these would be more difficult to pass later. -- If you are still constipated, add dried fruit such as sultanas or prunes to your diet or take a mild laxative (either a bulk-forming laxative or one that softens the stool). -- A topical treatment using a natural healing product made from essential oils can then be used to help with the healing process. Try to keep up these new good habits even after your anal fissures have healed because once you have developed one anal fissure, you have a higher than average chance of developing another one in the future. The following are additional medical treatment options available: An injection of botox temporarily paralyses part of the anal internal muscle (sphincter), reduces spasm and thereby decreases the pressure on the anus. The blood flow then improves and healing can take place. There are some surgical procedures which are sometimes used and these are also done to relieve the excessive pressure within the anal canal. Once procedure is called a lateral sphincterotomy and another procedure is called an anal dilation. However, the latter operation is not recommended as there is a high risk of faecal incontinence. Amoils offers all natural treatments for common conditions and ailments using essential oils. Visit our