I've had the typical sharp pains while defecating described in the symptoms of anal fissures. This has been going on for 1-2 weeks. I'm 24y/o and I do remember being somewhat constipated prior to this starting.

The last 4-5 days, I began to notice bleeding. The first time, it was a large amount of blood. The toilet water was colored pink and there was a lot of blood on the toilet paper which concerned me.

Lately, I've been trying to drink 10 cups of water and keep my fiber intake high. I purchased some zinc oxide ointment after seeing it was recommended. After one day with no blood and softer stools, the blood started again despite the soft stool. It was once again a large amount.

Is it normal to lose this much blood with a fissure? Any other recommendations for home treatment? I don't see much progress. Do the hot baths help with healing or just temporary pain relief? The pain is not unbearable...I just want the blood loss to stop.

I can't go to the doctor currently, so I'd like to treat this however I can at home.