I had my take down about 4.5 months ago and was on cypro and flagyl for a good part of that time. I am experiencing some bad excoriation and have a small absces just inside the anal area. I have just started using Ilex but am not quite sure how best to use this product. Do I use a large amount or a small amount should it be moist or dry? If anyone has any suggestions it would be much appreciatied!

Make sure the area is very dry before using any creams. Pat the area dry (don't rub!), use the softest toilet paper you can find. Of the creams that I've tried I found the Ilex was the most protective. With Ilex you should put a thin layer of vaseline over top of it to keep your butt cheeks from getting glued together (it's very very sticky). I got frustrated with how long it took to use the Ilex because I found it kind of hard to apply, so maybe once your skin heals a bit you will find it easier to switch to a different cream like zinc oxide. But if you're skin is broken down right now I'd stay with Ilex if it's working for you.

Is Ilex a prescription cream? My husband had takedown surgery last week, and is feeling good, except for terrible butt burn. We've tried the protective cream he used in the hospital and Calmoseptine, but nothing really gives much relief. Any suggestions?

Ilex isn't prescription but I'm not sure who would carry it in your area. There's not very many places here in Canada that carry it so I went to the Ilex website and called the help number and they told me who carried it so I could call and order it. It's probably easier to buy in your area, maybe try to phone Ilex to ask or call your local pharmacies to see if they carry it. It's definitely the most protective cream that I have used, really keeps moisture out. Just let your husband know that after he puts on the ilex he needs to put a thin layer of vaseline over top.

I found a good method for me was to alternate between Ilex and Calmoseptine. Calmoseptine seems to loose it's punch if you user it over and over again.

As Pixie stated, make sure you put the vasoline over the Ilex. Otherwise, you'll find ourself with one cheek instead of two

Buffy - you can click on the link on the top of this page and order over the phone or online. They're great people there and you'll get your (well, your husband's) iLEX very quickly. Yep, it's fantastic stuff!

kathy

I had my j pouch surgery in 1997. After the take down the tissue was raw especially from the wiping after I would go. I used barrier creams but it still was burning from the wiping. Another patient who was in for complications recommended using ky jelly on the toliet paper when wiping. This advice has been gold. Use ky on the 1st wipe and even if you go 12 times a day you wont get raw, fantastic!!! If I get caught without it for a couple days (which is rare now days) I get raw they I use destin creamy for babies a couple times and it heals up pretty quickly. This ky has been great for me for 10yrs plus!!!!

I had my takedownNov 7, 2007. I use Ilex and have found that works better than Calmoseptine, desitin and all the rest. I wipe with toilet paper dipped in water - is much gentler than toilet paper. About twice a day I apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the anal area, if itching add benadryl cream. My pharmacy special orders the Ilex for me - about $12.00 but worth every cent. Butt burn is much better now.

Hi, I have never uses or heard of iLEX, when I am having soreness down there I use just regular vasoline. I love it and it works great.