Hi, Kushami. I am sorry you're having a difficult time. Are you able to moisten a paper towel or toilet paper and clean the area by dabbing gently?  It is likely the residue from constant BMs (and rough or dry toilet paper) is causing your sore skin. In my early days I never left the house without carrying moistened paper towels in a ziplock because using dry toilet paper, even once, would start the burning and soreness. 

I installed a bidet attachment to our toilet seat. Luxe 120 model from Amazon. It cleans so well with water that there is no poop residue left on toilet paper after cleaning with it. I used to only pat dry with toilet paper after the bidet, but since we cannot get any toilet paper anymore, I bought 24 washcloths that I now use to pat dry after the bidet. I got the washcloths in white, thinking I would need to bleach them, but since I never see any poop on them after drying with them, I just wash them with hot water with underwear laundry. Since I go to the restroom more than 10 times a day (5 weeks since takedown) I will buy 24 more washcloths. I am tired of doing laundry.

As washcloth, I got thick and soft towels, 12 pack for 18 dollars. I want to use them as hand towels after the pandemic ends. But there are also very affordable options on Amazon, such as 60 pack of washcloths for 32 dollars. They dry much better than toilet paper, all my itching is gone!

I read that some people use washable cloth products as toilet paper, but I think it would create a lot of very messy laundry without using a bidet first.

Can u do anything like Vaseline- that’s usually easy to get ahold of and something you can find at any store at least here in the US- not sure where u are. I sometimes will use that if I’m in a pinch bc I know I always have it on hand for my baby- or I’ll use whatever I have for her. Whatever I can use as a barrier for down there. 

I also agree that the wet wipes might help sooth. I do have a bidet on my toilet that was a $40 purchase from Amazon but again I’m not sure where you are or what your circumstance is with install, etc. I do feel your pain though. Hope you find some relief soon. 

Winterberry posted:

Hi, Kushami. I am sorry you're having a difficult time. Are you able to moisten a paper towel or toilet paper and clean the area by dabbing gently?  It is likely the residue from constant BMs (and rough or dry toilet paper) is causing your sore skin. In my early days I never left the house without carrying moistened paper towels in a ziplock because using dry toilet paper, even once, would start the burning and soreness. 

Thanks for the suggestion. It is definitely a good idea but unfortunately the toilet paper that we have been able to get is rough and fragile at the same time. As well as irritating my skin by being rough, it tends to disintegtrate, leaving me with bits of toilet paper stuck on my backside. I tried dampening it but it just fell apart.

I have resorted to using tissues even though they could block the drains. I'm just flushing the loo extra times and hoping that will work!

Bubba1028 posted:

Can u do anything like Vaseline- that’s usually easy to get ahold of and something you can find at any store at least here in the US- not sure where u are. I sometimes will use that if I’m in a pinch bc I know I always have it on hand for my baby- or I’ll use whatever I have for her. Whatever I can use as a barrier for down there. 

I also agree that the wet wipes might help sooth. I do have a bidet on my toilet that was a $40 purchase from Amazon but again I’m not sure where you are or what your circumstance is with install, etc. I do feel your pain though. Hope you find some relief soon. 

Thanks very much for the suggestions. I looked into fitting a bidet attachment some time ago, and I can't remember why now, but it couldn't be done without a plumber. (I think because the pipe that is accessible on older loos is hidden away in the wall on mine). Just can't remember.

My dad is heading over to the supermarket now to try and get some better loo paper – not my normal brand but a mid-range one.

I managed to find some Vaseline and a zinc-based cream in the back of the bathroom cupboard. I just hate applying cream because it gives me the sensation that I've had a leak and then I feel very uncomfortable. Anyway, I have been putting it on at night when it is not so bothersome.

Thanks for replying and the supportive words.

Cheers,

Sarah

Hi, Kushami. If you are concerned about the tissues clogging the toilet plumbing, why not just toss them into a garbage bin?  You're right about clogging because that would require an expensive plumber if you can't clear it with a plunger. Can you manage to use a plastic bidet bottle reaching from the front if aiming from the back is difficult?

Winterberry posted:

Hi, Kushami. If you are concerned about the tissues clogging the toilet plumbing, why not just toss them into a garbage bin?  You're right about clogging because that would require an expensive plumber if you can't clear it with a plunger. Can you manage to use a plastic bidet bottle reaching from the front if aiming from the back is difficult?

Ah, good idea about the bin. Why didn't I think of that? Luckily, my dad's partner managed to find some of my preferred brand of loo paper, so with a bit of Vaseline I am now back to normal – phew!

I am a total klutz in the bathroom and I just can't manage that kind of bidet option. Whenever I have tried an enema, catheter or anything squirty I just can't seem to coordinate getting the poopy water into the toilet rather than everywhere else in the bathroom. Thank goodness bathrooms wipe down ...!

I loved the bidets in Japan, and if I ever get the chance I will get a proper bidet or bidet attachment.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers,

Sarah

I’ve also used tissue or Kleenex with positive results. Who could have guessed there would be a good tp shortage !!?? 🤦🏻‍♀️