Perianal skin care for persons with an ileoanal reservoir

The perianal skin care and management of skin irritation I have described has been effective in 98% of my patient population. These patients exhibited mild to moderate perianal skin irritation, which was resolved within 24-48 hours. In 2% of the patients, we used stronger antifungal preparations (e.g. Mycostatin Power, Mycolog Cream) or steroid products. These products are expensive and require a prescription. Moreover, the steroid products can only be used for a short period of time, as prolonged use can cause damage to the skin. The ileoanal reservoir is an excellent choice for patients wishing to avoid a permanent ileostomy. Patients selected for this procedure should be under the age of 40 (with a few exceptions) and mentally competent. They must have good anal sphincter control and be highly motivated to follow instructions to obtain the highest satisfaction and the best results from this surgery. The procedure has proven effective when performed by a surgeon who is successful in this field on a patient who is well-educated regarding the surgical procedure, post-operative care, and most importantly, the perianal skin care. This exemplifies a successful candidate for the ileoanal reservoir.