You can tell many of us have been here lol. If it's bright, it's likely a fissure. I have a close friend with ulcerative colitis and I can tell you when there is an issue it's deep dark red...borderline black. I'm not trying to play doctor but if you are seeing that very light red, almost borderline pink it's likely from a source "close to the surface" and usually often a fissure.
The thing about anal fissures is they can hurt like a SOB because they re-open each time you go to the bathroom. For folks like us who eat a lot a (and hence poop a lot...this can be a problem). I had this terrible and this is what helped me (mine was so bad I was almost crying when I pooped)....
1. Limit bowel movements to once a day (I was often on the 2-3 day plan)
2. Soften your bowel movements. They key with metamucil for most is you need to drink a metric ton of water or it may harden your bowel movements and have the opposite effect. If that doesn't work just do whatever does ie a lot of fruit, greens, etc. plus a lot of water (hot drinks often help)
3. wipe softly with soft TP. I also liked to use a very soft wet wipe as that will clean you up well without all the wiping friction.
4. Use vaseline or other ointment on it. They have some specifically for fissures.
4. BONUS: Don't use baby powder! I used to put that crap all over and it will dry up the skin even further
double bonus...any doubt or concern, of course, see your doc
.gif "IP Gear")
