What are the symptoms of anal fissure in babies?

Symptoms of anal fissures in infants include pain during defecation, crying, redness and swelling around the anus, and blood in the stool. Anal fissures are usually caused by tearing of the anal skin due to dry stool or difficulty in defecation. Infants cannot express pain, so they often express it by crying or refusing to defecate. Treatment methods include adjusting diet, keeping the anus clean, using medication, and seeking medical attention when necessary.

1. Pain and crying during defecation: The most common symptom of anal fissure in infants is pain during defecation. Infants will express discomfort by crying or refusing to defecate. This pain is usually caused by dry stool or difficulty in defecation, which leads to anal skin tearing. Parents can observe the baby's performance during defecation. If they find abnormal crying or difficulty in defecation, they should pay attention.

2. Redness and swelling around the anus: Anal fissures may cause redness, swelling, or even slight cracks in the skin around the anus. This is due to an inflammatory reaction caused by damage to the anal skin. Parents should pay attention to changes around the baby's anus and take timely measures if redness, swelling, or cracks are found.

3. Blood in the stool: Another common symptom of anal fissure is bright red blood on the surface of the stool, which is caused by bleeding after the anal skin is torn. Parents should pay attention to the color of the stool when changing diapers. If blood is found, it should be handled as soon as possible.

Treatment method:

Adjust the diet: Increase the water intake of the baby. Breastfeeding mothers should drink more water, and formula-fed babies can increase the amount of water appropriately. Babies who are adding complementary foods can eat more fiber-rich foods, such as vegetable and fruit purees, to soften stools.

Keep the anus clean: Use warm water to clean the baby's anus after each bowel movement, and avoid using irritating wipes. After cleaning, apply a small amount of baby-specific diaper cream to protect the skin.

Use medication: If the symptoms are mild, you can use topical medications such as erythromycin ointment or hemorrhoid cream under the guidance of a doctor to promote wound healing. If the symptoms are severe, such as persistent bleeding or infection, you should seek medical attention in time.

Medical advice: If the baby's anal fissure symptoms persist, or are accompanied by fever, severe crying, etc., the baby should be taken to the doctor in time to rule out the possibility of other diseases.

Although anal fissures are common in infants, most cases can be alleviated by adjusting their diet, keeping clean and taking appropriate medications. Parents should closely observe their infants' bowel movements to promptly detect and treat anal fissures to prevent symptoms from getting worse. If symptoms persist or get worse, seek medical attention immediately to ensure the baby's health.