The pain of a fissure is distinct—it is sharp and intense, unlike the dull ache of piles. Recognizing this early helps prevent it from becoming chronic.
The hallmark sign. Patients often describe the feeling as **'passing broken glass'** or a 'knife cut' during a bowel movement.
After the initial sharp pain, a deep, burning ache may persist for minutes or even hours. This is caused by the anal muscle going into spasm.
You may notice streaks of fresh, bright red blood on the toilet paper or on the surface of the stool. It is distinct from dark, clotted blood.
In chronic cases (older than 6 weeks), a small skin tag forms at the lower end of the tear. Patients often mistake this lump for a pile.
The anal ring feels very tight and difficult to relax. This involuntary clamping reduces blood flow, preventing the cut from healing.
Signs to look for
"If you are afraid to go to the toilet because of pain, it is almost certainly a Fissure, not Piles."
Dr. Jaya Maheshwari explains the 'Sentinel Pile' - a skin tag often mistaken for external piles, which actually indicates a chronic fissure.
Don't suffer in silence. Early treatment can heal fissures without surgery.
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