If your doctor has just diagnosed you with a fissure in your rectum, then you should know that you are not alone. While this condition isn't exactly something people talk about over dinner, it is very common for people to have problems with fissures and hemorrhoids as they age. Thankfully, while there is no simple solution for your fissure, there are many things that you can do that will make living with a fissure much more comfortable and less painful. Without proper management, your fissure can develop an infection, known as an abscess, and this is very painful.

Follow these time-proven tips for managing your fissure and preventing painful abscesses from forming:

Daily Cleaning Is Necessary

Since bacteria from your urine and feces can get into the openings of your fissure and cause an abscess, it is vital that you take care to clean your fissure and its surrounding area at least once each day. Taking a warm bath is a wonderful way to keep the area clean, but a shower will also do the job.

You should also clean your rectal area after each bowel movement if it is at all possible. Clean the area only with a damp cloth and do not use any soaps or cleansers, as these might irritate the sensitive tissues of your anal area.

Only Wear Cotton Underwear

Since your fissure may drain and have a tendency to stay moist, you should only wear cotton underwear. The natural cotton fibers will allow your sore to breathe and they will also absorb any excess moisture in the area. Brief style underwear are the most practical for people with fissures and hemorrhoids, as other types of underwear can put pressure on the area and lead to further problems. When you have an anal fissure, you should not wear thong underwear. 

Avoid Touching the Fissure

While you may be curious about the status of your anal fissure, you should avoid your natural instinct to touch and squeeze the area. Touching the area introduces bacteria and squeezing can increase the size of the fissure. Both of these things can make your healing time a lot longer and the process a lot more painful. 

The treatment for an abscess is to open the area and let it heal from the inside out. And, for a fissure, the best results are from having surgery to repair the damaged anal tissue. For more information, talk to a professional like Pilipshen Colon and Rectal Surgical Services.