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What Causes Rectal Bleeding?

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure [2] is described as a small cut or tear in the lining of the human anus. It causes severe pain and leads to bright red bleeding during and after bowel movements. In some scenarios, the fissure may be deep enough to expose the muscle tissue beneath.

An anal fissure can occur in individuals of different ages, and it’s common in small children due to the prevalence of constipation in that age bracket. In the scenario of anal fissures, the tear heals on its own in four to six weeks. The fissure is considered chronic when it persists beyond two months.

Common symptoms of an anal fissure include a visible tear in the skin surrounding the anus, sharp pain in the anal region during bowel movements, burning or itching in the anal area, skin tag or small lump close to the tear, and more. Doctors may recommend OTC medications to treat them.