My last flare-up (October) was awful - I was in so much pain. I found a combination of Germaloids ointment (not the cream) and some Boots wet-wipes that contain witch hazel actually calmed them down in a couple of days (pain relief from the lidocaine (local anaesthetic) in the ointment was virtually instant!). Once they'd calmed, I switched to applying Bepanthen nappy rash ointment a few times a day to protect the area, only going back to the Germaloids if a stool was particularly uncomfortable to pass. I've stuck to the regime (I carry Bepanthen in my handbag now!), and so far, so good. I really hope you find relief - I don't think it's possible to appreciate how much these damned things can hurt until you've had them.
