https://www.ilexhealthproducts...detail.asp?prod=iP51
https://www.ilexhealthproducts...ail.asp?prod=4271-81
I purchased the Ilex paste a few months ago and it has really helped heal the broken, raw and inflamed skin around my Stoma.
My skin has completely healed but I still apply the paste as a barrier/precaution as I never again want to experience such pain and discomfort.
I also believe the Ilex paste can be applied to relieve "butt burn"
I'm a little disappointed, as the 57g tube I bought, which is the size of a medium size toothpaste tube, is so pumped full of air, that whenever the top is removed the paste pumps out by itself, which results in a huge amount of wastage.
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It might help to stand the tube up in a cup for some hours first, so any air inside rises to the opening.
Maybe so, (standing tube in a cup, that is ) but it's too late now.
The paste is very thick and is filled to the brim of the tube, so the moment the top is removed, the paste is very slowly pumping out; no choice but wipe away excess so I can replace the top, it's funny this has never occurred with my tooth paste tube.
I attempted to collect & store excess paste; not only was doing so too much of an inconvenience, but an air tight container is required, otherwise paste will dry out.
At £16.00 a tube, with delivery, that's why this is of such a concern.
The paste is very thick and is filled to the brim of the tube, so the moment the top is removed, the paste is very slowly pumping out; no choice but wipe away excess so I can replace the top, it's funny this has never occurred with my tooth paste tube.
I attempted to collect & store excess paste; not only was doing so too much of an inconvenience, but an air tight container is required, otherwise paste will dry out.
At £16.00 a tube, with delivery, that's why this is of such a concern.
I was taught this trick by my wound care nurse. Gently squeeze the two sides of the tube and the contents should go back in.
Caty
Caty
Hey Caty, I tried that too.
I've had this paste for at least 3 months and no matter what I do, once the top is removed the paste pumps out, all by itself without even squeezing the tube.
I've also tried forcing the contents of the tube back to the bottom with the top on, this didn't work either.
If it wasn't for my desperation at the time, I would of complained to the supplier and requested an alternative.
I've had this paste for at least 3 months and no matter what I do, once the top is removed the paste pumps out, all by itself without even squeezing the tube.
I've also tried forcing the contents of the tube back to the bottom with the top on, this didn't work either.
If it wasn't for my desperation at the time, I would of complained to the supplier and requested an alternative.
Is it a metal tube or a plastic tube? Once a metal tube is compressed (such as during shipping) it will tend to hold its shape and pressurize the contents. A plastic tube will tend to return to its original shape.
What fraction of the contents poured out? I can't tell if you're more upset about the mess or the lost product. I think all of us have probably had this happen at one time or another. It can be "exciting" to open a tube after a plane flight.
What fraction of the contents poured out? I can't tell if you're more upset about the mess or the lost product. I think all of us have probably had this happen at one time or another. It can be "exciting" to open a tube after a plane flight.
It's certainly not exciting ?
I'm annoyed due to its cost.
It's a metal tube and the moment the top is removed, within seconds, at least an inch of paste will slowly pump out, on every occasion, even when the tube is untouched.
I'm aware of the issue and I use the paste and replace the top as quickly as possible, there is still wastage which has to be wiped away & discarded.
I always buy the jar which is way more expensive, but lasts for almost a year. A suggestion for your tube. Take a larger size empty medicine bottle and just squeeze into that. I sometimes fill a small med bottle with Ilex for travel purposes. It works great and has never dried up.
My loop ileostomy should be re-connected within the next couple of months, so I'm hoping I won't be needing to buy more, especially the large jar but that depends on how long what remains will last and how severe the butt burn will be.
When I did attemp to save some paste in a small pill bottle, it become powdery and unusable; thanks for the tip nys.
Strange....I have had my pouch for over seven years. I will never go without the ilex. That is why I buy jars. I alway do not have a touch of butt burn, and even when I don't I use the ilex. Sorry to hear that it has dried out on you, but I have used it in a little medicine bottle many many times over the years and have never had a problem. Maybe it is just the tube that you have? Hoping you get some resolve soon. By the way, I love love love ilex, and will never go without it. I use it every single day.
I may buy a jar next time but as I was unsure whether it was suitable or as good as it was claimed, I bought the cheapest option.
As for saving some in the pill bottle; it was just a small amount of wastage, which was more trouble than it was worth.
From my experience, once the paste is exposed to the atmosphere for a few minutes, it dries out.
Hopefully forum members reading this thread, will take my experience into consideration before purchase.
Update......
Within the UK, ilex have changed its 57gm tube to a plastics toothpaste type tube, nothing fancy just a tube.
By doing so, it has stopped the wastage, as the contents no longer pump out all by theirself when the cap is removed.
Ilex Paste is now available on NHS prescription:
https://www.oakmed.co.uk/oakmedilex.asp
I recently ordered more ilex and it came in the toothpaste type tube. Big improvement over old tubes! (in U.S.)
I had a j-pouch for over 13 years and nearly all that time, I had a
problem with leakage and skin breakdown. On very bad days, nothing
helped the pain and I couldn’t even walk. I tried iLEX and expected it
to be just as effective as all the others- meaning not very. I can still
remember the first time I applied it. What a liberating feeling! No
more excruciating pain! I wasted years not being able to do things
before I found iLEX. It has made my life so much happier. http://www.zumaonline.biz