First of all, I would like to thank the community for all the helpful posts. Despite the obstacles you face in life, most of you have such a positive attitude. Reading your posts gives me strength.
I will have my takedown next month, but I am already researching on ointments. Since I am from Germany, most of the lotions you use in the US are not available to me. But I found out some things I would like to share and invite comments on.
First of all, from reading I didn't understand what a "barrier cream" was. I thought it would be something like petroleum jelly / vasoline. The only real barrier against fluids that I could think of. But then I discovered that most "barrier" creams and ointments that I could find ingredients for are based on zinc oxide. Which makes a lot of sense, because diaper rash ointements for babies are based on that. And I already had success in treating butt stuff with zinc oxide.
So what do you prefer and why? Pure zinc oxide or additives? I found three interesting products online in Germany that either had panthenol, urea or cod liver (Desitin) added. After ordering and using one that had both cod liver and urea added I discovered a cheap store brand baby diaper ointment with the following additives to zinc oxide: Almond oil, bees wax and panthenol. No conservatives and no fragrance. I also researched US products. Calmoseptine has 20% zinc oxide (most others I found have 10%) and menthol as an additive.
Do you use ointment with zinc oxide? Are there potential problems associated with long term use of zinc oxide? What about the additives? Maybe some create more problems than they help? Do you use something without zinc?
How much do topical anesthetics help? Don't they only delay the problem?
Can we link to products or is this frowned upon?