I was wearing Brava strips last change and now I have some red skin where the strips were. I had them on for seven days. I have used them before without problems but this time I am having problems. I put some lotion on to soothe the pain. The skin under the flange is okay. I do not know what happened.
xnine
Mar 01, 2020 8:01 am
w30bob
Mar 01, 2020 5:08 pm
Hi X,
From what I understand about red skin, the primary cause of redness is either abrasion/irritation or an allergic reaction. When it comes to any type of bandage being placed on the skin, I read that 50% of folks will develop a rash, and that the severity of the rash is determined by how long the bandage is applied. So apparently, your skin doesn't like to have the Brava strips on for that long, or the material/adhesive they used has changed. Skin also changes over time, but I'm not sure how or why that happens. Regardless, it sounds like the best thing to do is to let the air get at it for as long as you can... and use either a hydrocortisone or an antihistamine topically. The other thing that could cause redness is if your skin wasn't completely dry when you applied the strips, but I doubt that's the cause in this case. Anyway, let us know how it works out.
Regards,
Bob
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Posted by: Karen & Stella
Fay,
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
newyorktorque
Mar 01, 2020 5:15 pm
I don't always wear the Brava strips but I haven't had any problems so far. I only wear them for a max of 3 days then I change the bag (I'm a 'one-piecer').
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xnine
Mar 01, 2020 5:35 pm
I was only using them when the flange started to lift, but the last time I put it on at the start. I put some Vaseline Intensive Care on, and the stinging is gone. Just not sure why it happened.
britathrt60
Mar 01, 2020 11:10 pm
Hi X
Maybe as Bob said, they have made a change in the material... It wouldn't surprise me. They seem to be making changes without letting us know. Hope you get it sorted out.
Ange
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Maried
Mar 02, 2020 6:16 am
Those strips are super strong and a lifesaver for me, but they do make my skin feel a bit sore. I do not add them during the weekend or when I am not working. I would think 7 days is pretty long. It would allow a build-up of bacteria and irritate your skin.
xnine
Mar 10, 2020 10:07 am
All is good, back to normal. Last time I just used a bit of waterproof tape when it was starting to lift.
Puppyluv56
Mar 11, 2020 2:25 am
Xnine,
I used to wear the brave y strips but found I still get 10 days from a flange without them and never a leak. May want to let that skin rest. Did you open a new box of strips? They could have changed the product or your skin can change as well.
Hope you get it figured out!
Pup