Hemorrhoids are lumps that result from swollen veins around your anus. Fissures are skin tears in your anus and are more likely to cause pain and lead to complications.
Hemorrhoids happen when veins around your anus swell. Anal fissures occur when the skin of your anus breaks and bleeds.
The symptoms of these two conditions are similar, but they have different causes and risk factors.
Read on to learn more about the differences between hemorrhoids and anal fissures, how to tell the difference based on your symptoms, and how doctors can diagnose and prescribe treatments for each condition.
Hemorrhoids are due to swollen veins in the anus or rectum.
Hemorrhoids usually happen when you put too much pressure on the anus. Risk factors for hemorrhoids include:
- straining when you poop
- sitting for a long time
- having diarrhea or constipation
- straining when you lift heavy objections
- having obesity
- having anal sex
- being pregnant
- being older than 50 years
Anal fissures happen when the skin in your anus gets torn or cut.
Infants and people over 50 years old are
Some of the most common causes of anal fissures include:
- having an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease
- not having enough blood flow to your anus and rectum
- having dysfunctional anal sphincter muscles
- having anal sex
- putting objects into your anus without being gentle or careful
Anal fissures can also result from chronic conditions like:
Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
- blood in your anus
- anal itching
- noticeable lumps or swelling in your anus
- mild anus pain or discomfort
Most hemorrhoids don’t cause pain. Anal fissures are more likely to cause pain because of skin tears and
Symptoms of anal fissures include:
- anal tears or cuts
- anus pain when you poop
- blood when you poop or wipe
- itching or burning in the anus that doesn’t go away
Doctors can often diagnose either a hemorrhoid or an anal fissure during a physical exam.
For deeper hemorrhoids or anal fissures, a doctor may perform a digital rectal exam to feel inside your anus.
Other diagnostic tests that can help diagnose a hemorrhoid or an anal fissure include:
- anoscopy of your anus and rectum
- sigmoidoscopy of your sigmoid colon
- colonoscopy of your entire colon
Most hemorrhoids and anal fissures will go away on their own if you reduce pressure on your anus.
You can also soak your anus in a small tub of warm, clean water — known as a sitz bath — to relieve the pain of a hemorrhoid or an anal fissure.
Topical ointments and creams can also reduce swelling and itching that could otherwise irritate a hemorrhoid or an anal fissure and make it worse.
Hemorrhoids that don’t go away on their own may require removal using a rubber band ligation. Anal fissures may also need surgical removal if other treatments aren’t successful.
Hemorrhoids are relatively common and not difficult to treat.
You can prevent most hemorrhoids by avoiding straining when you poop and lift objects and by eating a healthy, high fiber diet.
Anal fissures can be much more serious without treatment because infectious bacteria can enter open cuts and cause dangerous illnesses.
Anal fissures can also increase your chance of sexually transmitted infections.
Hemorrhoids or anal fissures that bleed and go without treatment can also cause:
- blood clots
- bleeding
- iron deficiency
- excess skin that doesn’t go away
Hemorrhoid vs. fissure vs. fistula
An anal fistula is a small tunnel that can open between the skin and anus and get infected. Fistulas can cause intense pain and release pus or discharge.
Hemorrhoids and anal fissures can turn into fistulas if they become infected.
Here are some prevention tips for both hemorrhoids and anal fissures:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Go poop as soon as you feel the urge.
- Eat a high fiber diet.
- Dry your anus completely after you bathe.
- Treat diarrhea quickly.
- Exercise regularly.
- Use lubrication and protection if you have anal sex.
Can fissures turn into hemorrhoids?
Anal fissures don’t turn into hemorrhoids. They’re two different conditions with different symptoms and causes.
Can you have hemorrhoids and fissures together?
You can have hemorrhoids and anal fissures together. Sometimes, hemorrhoids and anal fissures are due to the same issue, such as straining too hard or irritation from diarrhea or constipation.
Is Preparation H good for fissures?
Preparation H, a common hemorrhoid cream, isn’t good for fissures that are open, bleeding, or infected.
Try to treat the cut first to help the anal fissure heal and close up. Then, you can use Preparation H and other topical treatments to help with pain, itching, or swelling.
Hemorrhoids and anal fissures can have similar causes. But anal fissures can cause more pain and be more dangerous because they’re more susceptible to infection.
Contact a doctor if you have symptoms of hemorrhoids or anal fissures that don’t go away on their own or with home treatment.