fissures

A fissure is a narrow opening or crack in a solid material. The term, from Latin fissura, is used across disciplines to describe a split or groove in geology, medicine, dentistry, and dermatology.

In geology and engineering, fissures are natural fractures or cracks in rocks. They form from tectonic stress, cooling and contraction, dehydration, and weathering. Fissures can extend for meters to kilometers and may host mineral-rich fluids that precipitate vein deposits, influencing rock permeability, erosion, and slope stability.

Anal fissure refers to a tear in the anoderm of the anal canal. It causes sharp, burning pain during bowel movements and may be accompanied by bright red bleeding. Causes include constipation, diarrhea, childbirth, and inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosis is usually clinical, with inspection; endoscopic evaluation is reserved for unclear or complicated cases. Treatments range from conservative measures such as increased fiber and fluids, stool softeners, and warm sitz baths to topical vasodilators (for example, nitrates or calcium channel blockers) and pain relief. Chronic fissures may require surgical intervention, such as a lateral internal sphincterotomy or fissurectomy.

Dental fissures are grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth, especially the molars and premolars. They can trap bacteria and food, increasing the risk of dental caries. Prevention includes fissure sealants, while treatment involves fillings or other restorative procedures if decay develops.

Skin fissures are linear cracks in the epidermis, often caused by dryness, irritation, infection, or broken skin conditions. They commonly appear on hands, feet, or skin folds. Management emphasizes moisturizers, barrier creams, and treating any underlying dermatologic or infectious factors.