Estrace cream problem- labia pain!

My surgery was 5 weeks ago- anterior & posterior vaginal repair, bladder sling, all bio mesh. The first week or so, I applied the estrace cream vaginally and externally. I was so sore, it didn't occur to me that the cream might be causing anything wrong.
I ran out, needed to fill the rx (I was using samples) ...anyway, I used the applicator for the first time and didn't do any externally because I was starting to think it was causing burning pain.
Well, the bit if cream that did leak out seemed to be just on one area of my labia- and the pain became HORRIBLE. It felt like an ulcer. I haven't tried using it again.
I am going to ask my doctor next week for another type of vaginal estrogen.
Are other vaginal estrogen treatments equally effective on atrophy?

Bumping up this question, if anyone might have an answer or suggestion for Lighten. I wasn't put on a cream so I don't know.

Thanks so much, Cyndiscastle!
I did brave another application of Estrace cream. I keep slathering myself with vaseline on the areas that were burning before. It seems to have done the trick!

You're so kind and thoughtful, to bump me up.

Make sure to ask before using vasoline. I know it seems quite harmless, but my doctor told me specifically not to because it prevents the healing tissues from getting air. There are vagifem tablets that can be inserted into the vagina that prevent dryness and atrophy. Maybe those would help.

Hi sister! just wanted to share that I have been on Estrace or Vagifem for 10+ years and, when my tissues are REALLY atrophic, it can burn! I didn't use applicator till almost week 9! The Vagifem applicator is pencil-size so easier to insert ( once cleared). I wonder if you do have a little sore or inflamed follicle, which can really smart! I still use KY to insert and find it easier supine. Do ask your doc but I've heard vaseline might interfere with absorption. Feel better!

Thank you, ladies! I'm going to call my dr tomorrow!

Good luck, sister, and keep us posted! I also wanted to add that, after decades of trouble with atrophy (plus vestibulitis, vulvodynia, and IC), I have come to take quite seriously the symptoms of dryness which, in my case, sometimes even mimic yeast-infection-like itchiness. Just to give you the most dramatic example, at 7 weeks, my gyno did a manual exam and, when she saw how uncomfortable I was, she got lidocaine jelly, which burned like crazy when she applied it! And that's *Lidocaine*! I imagine that it looks like the parched earth of a desert in there!