Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Small tears in the anus (anal fissures)

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining at the anus. It often causes sharp pain when pooing, burning pain afterwards and a little bright red blood. Bleeding or pain can also have another cause and needs assessment if the pattern is not typical or does not improve.

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An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining at the anus. It often causes sharp pain when pooing, burning pain afterwards and a little bright red blood. Bleeding or pain can also have another cause and needs assessment if the pattern is not typical or does not improve.

  • Sharp, cutting pain when passing stool.
  • Burning or cramping pain afterwards that can last minutes to hours.
  • Drink enough if you are not on a fluid restriction, and increase fibre gradually to limit wind and cramps.
  • Go to the toilet when you feel the urge, avoid prolonged straining and use a small footstool if needed.
  • Make an appointment for bleeding from the anus, especially if it is new, recurring or not clearly related to hard stools.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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R
Rectal bleedingBright red blood on toilet paper or stool may come from haemorrhoids or a small fissure, but dark blood, black stool, a lot of blood or accompanying symptoms need urgent assessment.
T
ThreadwormsThreadworms are small white worms that mainly cause itching around the anus or vulva at night and often spread within families and schools. They are usually harmless and treatable, but severe abdominal pain, fever, bleeding, weight loss or another type of worm needs a different medical assessment.
P
Piles (haemorrhoids)Piles are enlarged cushions of blood vessels in or near the anus. They can cause bright red bleeding, itching, mucus, a feeling of pressure, pain or a lump that protrudes. Do not automatically assume that bleeding from the anus is caused by piles.