How to prepare for a video visit about Anal Fissure

Audience: pediatric

An anal fissure is a small tear in the skin around the anus that can cause pain and sometimes bleeding during bowel movements. It is common in children and often heals with simple care. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help discuss symptoms, get advice on treatment, and decide if more care is needed. Preparing for the visit will help you share important information and get the most from your time. This guide explains how to get ready, what to expect, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine can offer helpful guidance but is not a replacement for in-person medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Heavy or continuous bleeding from the anus — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe pain that does not improve with home care — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or fever — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to anal fissure.
• Providing advice on diet, stool softeners, and topical treatments.
• Guiding parents on home care and when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical procedures or surgeries.
• Diagnosing complicated conditions that require physical examination or tests.
• Treating severe bleeding, infection, or other emergencies.

What is an Anal Fissure?

An anal fissure is a small cut or tear in the skin around the anus. It can cause pain, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding when your child has a bowel movement. Anal fissures often happen when stools are hard or large. They are common in children and usually heal with simple treatments like softening stools and keeping the area clean.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the video visit, gather information about your child's symptoms. Note how long the pain or bleeding has lasted, any changes in bowel habits, and what treatments you have already tried. Make sure you have a quiet, private space with good internet connection. Have a list of questions ready to ask the healthcare provider. If your child is comfortable, you may be asked to show the affected area gently during the visit.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and any treatments used. They may ask to see the area around the anus to check for tears or other issues. The provider will give advice on care, such as diet changes, stool softeners, or creams. They may also discuss when an in-person visit is needed.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Some signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention. These include heavy bleeding, severe pain that does not improve, fever, or signs of infection like redness and swelling around the anus. If your child cannot pass stools or has severe constipation, seek care right away.

Tips for Managing Anal Fissures at Home

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids and eat a high-fiber diet to keep stools soft. Warm baths can help soothe pain. Avoid straining during bowel movements. Follow any treatment plan your healthcare provider gives you. Monitor symptoms and contact your provider if they worsen.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the duration and details of your child's symptoms (pain, bleeding, bowel habits).
• List any treatments or remedies already tried.
• Prepare a quiet, private space with good internet connection for the video call.
• Have your child's medical history and medication list available.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Ensure your child is comfortable and explain the visit to them in simple terms.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on diet, fluids, and medications.
• Use recommended stool softeners or topical treatments as directed.
• Encourage warm baths to relieve discomfort.
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily for improvement or worsening.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve or if red flags develop.
• Schedule follow-up visits if advised by the healthcare provider.

FAQs

What causes anal fissures in children?

Anal fissures often happen when a child passes hard or large stools that stretch the skin around the anus. Constipation and straining during bowel movements are common causes.

Can an anal fissure heal on its own?

Yes, many anal fissures heal with simple home care like softening stools, keeping the area clean, and avoiding straining. Healing usually takes a few weeks.

Is it safe to show the affected area during a video visit?

Yes, if you and your child are comfortable, showing the area gently can help the healthcare provider assess the fissure. The visit is private and confidential.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room if your child has heavy bleeding, severe pain that does not improve, fever, or signs of infection such as redness and swelling around the anus.

Can diet changes help with anal fissures?

Yes, increasing fiber intake and fluids helps keep stools soft and reduces straining, which supports healing of anal fissures.

Sources

1. Anal Fissure - MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Anal Fissure - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.
3. Constipation in Children - American Academy of Pediatrics — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Anal Fissure - Merck Manuals Consumer Version — Merck & Co., Inc..

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms are severe or worsening, please seek direct medical attention promptly.