What is a common treatment for an anal fissure?

Topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) or diltiazem is commonly used to treat anal fissures due to their muscle-relaxing properties, which aid in reducing anal sphincter spasm and promoting healing of the fissure. These treatments work by increasing blood flow to the area and decreasing internal anal sphincter tone, allowing for pain relief and improved healing. They are effective non-surgical options for managing acute and chronic fissures.

While topical steroids can reduce inflammation, they are not the first-line treatment for anal fissures. Surgical resection is a more invasive option and is typically reserved for cases that do not respond to medical management. Oral antibiotics are not a standard treatment for anal fissures, as these conditions are not typically caused by bacterial infections. Thus, using GTN or diltiazem represents a well-established and effective conservative approach to healing anal fissures.