Bleeding from open skin - anal area

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Bellen
Bellen Member Posts: 281 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

Hello all - Wondering if anyone can make a suggestion.  I had anal cancer about 12 yrs ago, had radiation, chemo. Skin area was very burned from radiation, so remains irritated at times.  Last yr was disgnosed with CRC with liver mets and having chemo every two weeks. I go through about a week of constipation and diarrhea, so area gets very irritated.  Now I have areas of bleeding and was hoping that someone might know of a cream, other that would help area to heal.  Have been using an antibiotic ointment hoping it will work, but not sure if something else might be more effective.  Also would like to know of something I could use to avoid this in the future, as my bowel problems seem to be an ongoing problem. Any suggestions are appreciated.  Best to all.  

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  • jajmom
    jajmom Member Posts: 33 Member
    #2
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    Bellen

    Hi Bellen,

    Just from my own experience in treating radiation burns and delicate skin post treatment, I found the best for me has been Aquaphor Ointment (off brand much cheaper) and Triple Paste diaper cream. Sometimes I mix the two and apply them together. I wish you well.

    Chris

  • Bellen
    Bellen Member Posts: 281 Member
    edited August 2017 #3
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    jajmom said:

    Bellen

    Hi Bellen,

    Just from my own experience in treating radiation burns and delicate skin post treatment, I found the best for me has been Aquaphor Ointment (off brand much cheaper) and Triple Paste diaper cream. Sometimes I mix the two and apply them together. I wish you well.

    Chris

    Cream for bleeding skin

    thank you Chris - I used aquaphor and also squeezed the gel from an aloe vera plant for the burned skin in the front when I had radiation previously, but wasn't sure if aquaphor was recommended for the backside area.  I am sure this is being caused by the fluctuation of constipation and diarrhea that the chemo cocktail I am having right now causes -  a lot of stomach issues, and makes my stomach feel like crap a lot.  Plus have basically every 12 days (due to chemo at cancer center and then come home with 5Fu bottle 2 days) - so little time in between to recoup.  Thanks for the suggestion.  

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #4
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    Bellen

    I hope you get some relief from the aquaphor or aloe.  Sending you healing wishes and all the best with your current treatment.

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #5
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    Bellen.

    I have found a cream called "clear moisture barrier ointment" "for minor to severe skin irritation due to incontinence" by Coloplast - also on the tube is "critic aid clear". Coloplast makes several similar products which is why I put all the details. I first got this when I was in the hospital and a wound care nurse brought me all kinds of stuff to try. I find it less greasy than aquaphore but I think we all have our own preferences.I got my last tube on eBay. I've had 2-3 practitioners recommend coconut oil so I use that in the vaginal area and the Coloplast over the anal area. Good luck, it seems like one cancer per person should be the max. 

  • Bellen
    Bellen Member Posts: 281 Member
    edited August 2017 #6
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    suggestions

    Thank you so much for responding.  I know I used aquaphor on the front area that was so burned by radiation, but couldn't remember if I used it for the anal area.  Yes, it is greasy.  I would really like to have something that can prevent this, and hope that I won't get to this point. I will look up the one by Coloplast.  The nurse I spoke to mentioned tucks or witch hazel soaked pads.  Don't know if tucks would help to prevent.  I am still using the antibiotic gel and it seems to be healing, with baths included.  And yes, you are right Mollymaude - one cancer should be max.  I had done well, with side effects of course, but still doing well.  My dr did an ultrasound 2016 and it reported lesions in my liver, further testing, biopsy comfirmed CRC with liver mets.  My dr was being very vigilant due to my previous AC - I had a colonoscopy in 2014 (clear and said 7-10 yrs for next) still can't figure out how all this got so bad in that period of time.  Wishing everyone the best.

  • Dds
    Dds Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2017 #7
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    Calmoseptine ointment

    I have been using Calmoseptine ointment for over three years and it has worked consistently better for me than coloplast ointment.  Helps with soothing pain from incontinence and discomfort from bleeding and broken tissue and helps with healing. Every time I switch to something else I always come back to this.  It is a thick paste that adheres to skin so it is a barrier Ointment that lasts for hours.  Get at any drugstore, Walmart (may have to ask at pharmacy counter).  Also have to occasionally use this blended with Lidocaine if pain gets bad. Best to you.

  • Pilikia55
    Pilikia55 Member Posts: 17 Member
    #8
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    Bellen

    I'm sorry to hear about your CRC diagnosis. I finished my AC treatment 13 years ago . . . but am always worried that there's another shoe getting ready to drop. I used Aquaphor mixed with Biafine, and that worked well. Sometimes I added lidocaine ointment to the mix. I still have issues with thin, irritated skin sometimes, usually after long hikes or bike rides, and use that combo. I am going to look for that Calmoseptine ointment though.  It sounds promising. Good luck to you.  

  • juszczynski1
    juszczynski1 Member Posts: 1
    #9
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    Hi Bellen   Sorry to hear

    Hi Bellen   Sorry to hear about your open areas . I had treatment a few years ago and had large open areas . I tried and did everything the doctors told me to do with no relief . It was not till I was admitted to the hospital and the nurse asked if I needed my Nu-gel that I found a miracle . I tried it and within days my gaping open wounds were drying up and closing. My doctor got an ear full from me I could not understand why all of us getting radiation are not given this . I gathered up as much as possible to take home . It is a clear gel , does not sting and wounds just seem to disappear in no time . If I had only had it from the beginning it would have saved a lot of suffering. I later ordered it for a friend for bed sores it worked the same . U can get it on line and is not expensive. U could also ask your Doctor . Good luck I'll be thinking about you . 

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #10
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    Calmoseptine

    The name alone is intriguing! I may try it, the calmo part sounds so soothing!

  • Bellen
    Bellen Member Posts: 281 Member
    #11
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    Healing skin

    Thank you all for the suggestions and well wishes - very much appreciated.  Skin has healed, but using anusol HC suppositories for painful bm's.  Not really working so looking into a treatment for that as well.  I believe I had a product called Proshield in the past.  Any suggestions?

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #12
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    Bellen

    You might try Lidocaine applied to the anal area prior to having a BM.  It can have a numbing area.  I hope you find something that helps!

  • scmomof3
    scmomof3 Member Posts: 14
    #13
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    Have you tried installing a

    Have you tried installing a toilet top bidet seat so that you can just wash with water and dry yourself with the air jets instead of using toilet paper at all?  I have ordered one for myself.  My in-laws are from Europe and they say that you don't use your hands at all -- just let the water and air jets do their thing.  No wiping fragile skin.  They install on your regular toilet, but you do need a power outlet nearby.  I'm sorry for your pain!

  • danker
    danker Member Posts: 1,276 Member
    #14
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    Try radia gel from walmart.

    Try radia gel from walmart.

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