Symptoms of anal fissure in babies

The main symptoms of anal fissure in infants include crying during defecation, redness and swelling around the anus, blood in the stool, etc., which are usually caused by constipation, diarrhea or fragile anal skin. Treatment should start with dietary adjustment, local care and medication when necessary.

1. Common causes of anal fissure in infants

Anal fissures in infants are often related to defecation problems. Constipation is the main cause. Hard stools can damage the anal skin. Diarrhea can irritate the anal mucosa due to frequent defecation. The anal skin of infants is thin and fragile, and it is easy to crack due to friction or infection. Genetic factors may also affect the elasticity of the anal skin and increase the risk of anal fissures.

2. Diet adjustment

Improving infant diet is the key to preventing and treating anal fissures. For breastfed infants, mothers should consume more fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. For formula-fed infants, you can choose milk powder with added probiotics to help regulate intestinal function. For infants who have already started to eat complementary foods, you can add fiber-rich foods such as pumpkin puree, carrot puree, etc.

3. Local care

Keeping the anus clean and dry is an important measure to relieve the symptoms of anal fissures. Wash the anus with warm water after each bowel movement and avoid using irritating wipes. Apply baby-specific diaper cream or vaseline to form a protective layer to reduce friction. If the anus is obviously red and swollen, use an ointment containing zinc oxide to help reduce inflammation and repair the skin.

4. Drug treatment

Under the guidance of a doctor, local anesthetic ointment can be used to relieve pain, such as lidocaine gel. For anal fissures with a higher risk of infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointment. If anal fissures recur or the symptoms are severe, further examination is required to determine whether there are other diseases, such as congenital anal stenosis.

5. Medical advice

If the baby's anal fissure symptoms last for more than a week, or if there is a lot of blood in the stool, fever, etc., the baby should seek medical attention immediately. The doctor may recommend an anal examination to rule out other diseases and develop a personalized treatment plan based on the situation.

Although anal fissures are common in infants, most symptoms can be alleviated through proper diet adjustment, local care and necessary medication. Parents need to pay close attention to the baby's bowel movements and take timely measures to prevent the symptoms from getting worse. If the symptoms persist or get worse, be sure to seek medical attention in time to ensure the baby's health.