Sorry to hear you're hurting! I have had terrible pain/ butt burn from months of cuffitis, but found best relief from Ilex paste, one or two pea sized drops. It was a miracle! I had been taking Aveeno baths 5-6 x day to relieve pain. Within 2 days I was all healed, and continue to use it when I go out and at night. It is pasty so it stays on, and actually needs Vaseline to remove it, which I like to do after a BM. You can leave it on longer but ... You can order it from ilexhealthproducts.com. I am finding it almost works like a plug- I go 4-7 hours without BM when I use it. I keep the jar $42 in bathroom (it's a little softer)and carry the tube $13 in my  purse for when I'm out. I have also used Calmoseptine with some success, but not when things are real bad. I've used Cavillon Spray, a 3M product but for the money its hard to use effectively. I have always used a lot of Vaseline to clean and soothe area -Costco sells big jar for $4 so I use it very generously. Highly recommend that! Good thing about Ilex paste is it will stick to skin that is wet or may have little Vaseline left on it.  If your skin is itchy, your Dr. may prescribe an anti- fungal ointment liKevin Nystatin. I don't have a bidet but did order squirt water bottles and like to use it at home to squirt warm water on to clean area after BM. Have to dry area, but think it helps! All of this takes time and dedication to keep up. But, do order Ilex paste- it totally changed my quality of life and I wish I had ordered months earlier! Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions.

I use 2 different creams. I highly recommend Calmoseptine when the skin is irritated. It cools things down and makes it much more comfortable...not burning or stinging sensation. As a preventative measure I also use Ilex paste as it creates a barrier over your skin. I put this on every morning and it protects your skin against rough toilet paper...I find this one really works as other barrier creams weren't quite as effective. The only trick is to apply a bit of Vasoline over the Ilex paste as it's very sticky without it... I've tried a bunch of different combinations and this has brought me much success.. A warm bath at night with Epsom salts also doesn't hurt! Hope this helps... 

Many people do fine with simple, inexpensive zinc oxide ointment, applied after every BM. If this isn't effective enough for you then the more expensive/complicated treatments are certainly worth trying.

 

I liked Ferguson Formula more than Calmoseptine, but I haven't needed anything in years.

I agree about ilex. It is the only thing that gives me immediate relief. My pharmacist special orders it for me and it usually arrives the day after I request it...faster than online ordering. I found the zinc oxide works ok but don't get the kind with menthol in it or other fragrance. It STINGS. In a pinch, A&D ointment helps too. For short term relief before applying an ointment, I run the shower on it as hot as I can stand it. 

I strongly recommend a bidet. I got a bio user for under $200 and saved at least that much in the first year n buying less TP and fewer creams (my go to's were desiring and calmiseptine, sometimes prescription anusol and lidocaine. Not to mention I went from living with chronic pain of 4/10 to only sporadic pain.

22 years later and I still need protective creams (in doubt, partially due to fistula).  Calmoseptine is great, but I also use Target's generic A&D ointment (no color, less staining) - they also have generic zinc oxide creams that do the job.  If none of the above helps, let your doc know, s/he can prescribe an ointment that contains a steroid (sorry, I forget the name).

 

You do have to keep whatever product you choose on 24/7.  As noted above, a bidet helps immensely, you can find them even as low as $50 on Amazon.

Another good thing is Wool Fat also called hydrosised - you would possibly need to wear a pad as it is quite thick, but the benefits are wonderful - it really is worth a try and it not full of all sorts of additives - and is very cheap. My husband had his J pouch op in 1991 - all the very best to you all . . .

 

CALMOSEPTINE!!!  I call it my pink medi, and I can't live without it.  I've used it since my surgery, and don't leave home without it

 

I also HIGHLY recommend switching to a wet wipe either with or instead of regular toilet paper (I know some septic or toilet systems won't handle this though).  I started using the wipes (like Charmin wet or Cottonelle -- there are some generic ones too) about 10 years ago, and they have saved me.  I also carry those with me when I'm out in public -- that paper in public restrooms is like sand paper!!!

 

Good luck!!  -- Linda