I am so happy I have found this site. I have just been diagnosed as having multiple anal fissures. My biggest worry right now is the possibility of infection. Is it possible to become septic from fissures? Can using an anitbacterial medicine like Neosporin help prevent infection? Thanks.
More about me: I live in Virgina, USA. I am 26 and have had trouble with constipation since I was 19. I also have an internal hemmoroid which I was diagnosed with when I was probably 20 or 21. I find having these problems really embarrasing, not to mention painful and stressful. I'm scared that these conditions will continue to get worse and I will eventually be pooping using a colostomy bag. After I saw my doctor about the fissures I have changed my diet to a high fiber diet, and that is helping a lot with the constipation. I hope that by maintaining this diet I can prevent further damage to that area.

hi rb,
welcome! hope you heal quickly.
no need to be embarrassed here. :)
are you sure you have multiple fissures? Was this your GP who diagnosed you?
If so, you might want to see a specialist (crs aka colorectal surgeons). This does not mean you need surgery. They are just the specialist in fissures and hemmies. Most people just have one fissure, maybe two. Usually at the front end or back end of your sphincter. I'm thinking you either misheard or your doctor doesn't know what he/she is talking about. IMO of course.
That's great that you are changing your diet. That is the key, to have regular soft (but not watery) BMs.
Lots of people have hemmies. Usually they aren't a big deal if you change your diet and drink lots of fluids.
Most people don't feel comfortable talking about butt issues, but most people have them sooner or later.
Like Davo pointed out on another thread, the average age for anal fissures is 20-40. Not what I would have assumed before getting one myself.
Did your doc give you a topical like nitro or nifedipine to put on your sphincter muscle?
I wouldn't use neosporin. I have used it for a few days myself in past, and the painkiller they put in it is nice. But I have read since that it can lead to infection, by killing all the good bacteria.
It's actually pretty rare to get an infection there. Don't ask my why but that is what I have had 3 crs tell me.
You do however want to keep the area clean. I mean lets not tempt fate
So don't worry. There are many paths to healing. No need to worry about the rest of your life just yet. Think of it as an early wake up call.
-Tanya

Thanks for your reply Tanya. It was my GP who diagnosed me. He prescribed me hydrocortisone cream and suppositories. They seem to be helping a lot, and the diet has been helping too. Thanks for the recommendation of seeing a specialist, should my condition worsen at some point I will keep that in mind.
I tend to associate such problems with older people, so I am glad to hear it is not uncommon among people my age.