In short
Yes. Water cleans without friction and reduces pain while cleaning. Dry wiping makes the situation worse.

What we were sold as normal
After a bowel movement, people wipe with paper, even when it hurts. Blood and burning are accepted as part of the problem. Cleaning gets equated with pressure and repetition.

The honest explanation
An anal fissure is a tear in the skin. This wound is sensitive to mechanical stress. Toilet paper creates friction and pull on the injured area. That can reopen the wound and delay the healing process.

Water removes residue without direct pressure on the skin. It reduces the amount of touching needed. Less contact means less pain and less stress on the wound. What matters: no hard jet, but a gentle flow of water, followed by careful drying without rubbing.

What you often hear – and what's true
“Water irritates the wound even more.”
No. Friction is the main irritant, not water.

“You still have to wipe thoroughly.”
No. Wiping puts mechanical stress on the injured skin.

“Wet wipes are better.”
They reduce friction, but they can contain ingredients that irritate the skin even more.

“It heals regardless of cleaning.”
No. Mechanical stress directly affects whether the wound keeps tearing open again.

The bottom line
With an open skin injury, any unnecessary friction is a problem. The butt shower replaces exactly that part of the stress.