Acute fissures resemble fresh tears, whereas chronic ones have a deeper tear and may include internal or external fleshy tumors. A fissure is considered persistent if it persists for more than eight weeks. A sensation of tearing, ripping, or burning is typical for anal fissures, along with a little amount of bright red bleeding during and after a bowel movement. While the discomfort can be severe at times, it is not usually life-threatening.