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Most anal tears get better with simple treatments. But if you have a chronic tear (one that has lasted for more than four weeks), you may need a small operation to help the tear heal properly.

About 8 in 10 people with an anal tear get better with simple treatments such as taking warm baths and changing their diet. This usually happens in about three weeks.¹ To learn more see What can I do to help my anal tear heal?

Some people need other treatments such as laxatives or ointments to relieve their pain.²

Chronic tears are less likely to heal with simple treatments. Most people who have chronic tears need treatments to help relax the muscle that controls their anus. When this muscle relaxes, the blood flow to the skin of your anus improves. This helps the tear to heal.^{3 4}

Treatments to help the anal muscle relax include:

• A small operation
• Ointments that you rub into your anus
• Injections.

Surgery works for about 9 in 10 of those people who need it.⁴ We don't know how many people get tears again afterward, but we do know that some types of surgery work better than others. For example, you're more likely to still get anal tears after an operation to stretch the muscle in your anus than after surgery on your anal muscle.⁵ To read more, see What treatments work for anal tears?

It's unusual to have more than one tear at a time, or for the skin on the sides of your anus to tear. If this happens, your doctor may do some tests to see if the tears are due to an infection or a problem with your digestion.²

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.