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Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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Blood in Stools
QUESTION
Dear Dr. Cates,
Hi. What advice would you give to someone who occasionally (a few times a month) has some blood with his/her stool (after being a bit constipated) after a specialist looked and found a fissure. (Time of that checkup was over six years ago). It is best to avoid surgery--don't need the risks of anesthesia. Your input greatly appreciated.

— P

ANSWER
October 23, 2000
Dear P,
Anal fissures are tiny tears in the skin around the anal opening. They are the most common cause of small amounts of blood on the surface of the stool or on toilet paper after wiping. They usually occur when hard or large stool is passed. They heal on their own without any special therapy, but if they are related to constipation, treating the constipation helps them heal faster and helps prevent them from recurring.

You do not mention the age of the person with blood in the stool, but six years is a long time to go without a checkup at any age--with or without blood in the stool. Since there are other causes of blood in the stool that can be more serious than anal fissures, it is a good idea to discuss this problem with your healthcare provider.

— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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