Lots of water (good) but sore bottom (bad)

Hi: I'm usually on the fibromyalgia forum, but have had issues with fairly mild IBS for years.

I'm currently trying to 'up' my water intake, and it's going well except for one thing. I find that I have to go "number 2" off and on throughout the day---very little at a time, but fairly often, and my bottom is so sore afterwards!

I use soft TP, and moisten it slightly, then pat dry when done. I've even dried the area with my hairdryer on the low setting. But I seem to still irritate "that area" because I have to wipe it throughout the day.

I'm putting Vaseline on the area, and it does help a bit. Is there something better? I tried a baby diaper cream some weeks ago (before this issue occurred), but it seemed to burn.

An embarrassing problem! Any help/ideas?

Also, when summer rolls around, I drink more water, but it often leads to diarrhea. I guess I just have a very fussy, sensitive system. Anyone else have that problem?

Thanks for your response, Ides!

I haven't tried the moistened septic-friendly toilet wipes, but will sure give them a try!

Unfortunately, the cream I had tried was 40% zinc oxide, and it seemed to burn my skin. But maybe I just had a cheap brand (I did buy the store brand).

It may be worthwhile to spend a little more and get a name-brand kind. Thanks for suggesting!

Thanks, Red!

Using witch hazel pads is new to me. Is this only if one has hemorrhoids, though? I don't think I have any problems with that (hemorrhoids).

Sounds like it's very helpful, from what you said!

Great! Thanks again.