I start using petroleum jelly on outer part of my anus before I drink my Epsom Salts . From drinking Epsom Salts at 6pm to next morning Epsom Salt one has many BMs and more after that. Every time I clean my self after a BM I use slightly wet tissue and apply petroleum jelly. It makes everyhting so easy. If worry about the stains from it then you can put a paper towel in your underware.