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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?

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When I used a barrier cream, it was zinc oxide. Either plain or with an antifungal (like Baza by Sween). I did not like the cod liver oil ones, mostly because I did not like the nasty fish smell on my fingers, butt, or underwear. Hated it as a diaper rash ointment for my kids, for the same reason. Other than that, it is fine.

 

Now that I am nearly 20 years post op, I can't remember the last time I needed it. Something to look forward to, I suppose! But, you are smart to be thinking prevention, rather than treatment. Much easier that way. Some people like petroleum based ointments, but they do not stay put very well.

 

Jan

I comeple tell agree about the cod liver oil.. I had enough to worry about without adding the smell of fish!

people recommend ilex and Calmoseptine. I agree they're good. So just some other thoughts are:

you can use your skin barrier wipes that you use with your stoma. Keeping fluid off skin is the name of the game. Also, keeping dry. So I used a zinc based powder first when I had butt burn, then followed with my barrier creams.  Dries the area completely and adds a barrier (when you try to wash the powder off your hands, you see how repellant it is). 

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