After having a colostomy for 6 years, I'm starting to have these serious rashes. Does anyone know what to use for rashes while wearing a bag? Thanks!
Past Member
Jul 04, 2021 1:42 pm
xnine
Jul 04, 2021 3:05 pm
A bit of a guessing game. I expect you are talking about the skin around your stoma and not your butt. Bob has been posting about his problems; you may find help there. I use a skin prep to protect the skin. Make sure everything is dry before applying your appliance. Look into some previous posts; there are recommendations of calamine lotion to egg whites. Good luck.
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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
Past Member
Jul 04, 2021 3:34 pm
I wash the area around my stoma with antibacterial soap and warm water, then dry it. Then sprinkle antifungal powder and gently rub it in. Finally, dab the area lightly with a skin barrier wipe, wait a little for it to dry, and then apply the bag. It works for me. Hope you find something that works for you.
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Artsy Lady
Jul 04, 2021 6:09 pm
My final colostomy was in 2017.
In the early days, I was given an antifungal powder to use until it cleared up if I had a rash. It was called NYSTOP.
Normally, after initial cleaning with damp gauze, I wipe with witch hazel. I have not had an issue for a long time.
Hope this helps.
Past Member
Jul 04, 2021 7:25 pm
Well, rashes seem to be quite common these days and the hot weather can often be a big trigger. I have a urostomy as you know, but rashes can occur at any time for those that have an ostomy. I don't know if you have this product in the States but I use "Zincofax" extra-strength. Look for something with the same ingredients perhaps it will have a different name....but try that. I found it in the baby section aisle at the drug store. It is actually used on babies when they get rashes..... I am more familiar with urostomy supplies. My basic routine is.....Once everything is clean and dry....I put a little bit of zinc cream on my skin, ostomy powder around the stoma area.....put an Eakin ring around the stoma.....On top of that, I cut a circle in the center of a 4x4 DuoDerm extra thin CGF Dressing by Convatec (This product is used for the protection and management of superficial dermal issues.....and then the pouch......I never have leaks and my skin is in healthy condition.....Give zinc a try Michael....Hope your rash will clear up soon......
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Fritzj
Jul 04, 2021 9:37 pm
I have had my ileostomy for 64 years and have periodically had a problem with itching. In my case, my skin was reacting to the adhesive on the tape I used to frame the faceplate. I switched to Pink-tape and my problems disappeared. Check with your supplier....it is easily obtained.
Ninja
Jul 10, 2021 5:06 pm
Rashes in summer are far more common; I just had one after five days in a wetsuit on a river trip. My first in three plus years post-ileostomy.
I am a simpleton with wound care, water only. I leave the stoma/surrounding skin out to air (during a quiet moment, not when post-prandial obviously) whenever I do a bag change. Unless you know what you are treating, dry and cool is what you are after. Good luck with that in this era of drought and plague. Cornstarch is my go-to--do not use talcum powder ever...on anything---for keeping the skin. But if you are dealing with a fungal (itchy and very red normally) eruption, you may want to try a call to your primary care doc/WOCnurse, or go with an antifungal powder. In the land of the ostomy, I am completely a 'less is more' enthusiast.
Take good care. Time is a good drug too. Best, Ninja
bigal1579
Jul 10, 2021 6:31 pm
Your skin will love it if you can simply clean it during your change, and then leave it open to the air for some period, like 10-20 minutes before putting the new pouch on. Obviously, output during that time can be a nuisance, but with picking the right time, standing over the toilet, and judicious use of toilet paper, you should be able to manage. There is something about the skin breathing real air for even a short period of time that really helps.
Ninja
Jul 10, 2021 7:02 pm
Well put. Big fan of the air.....until the fires screw it up again. Liked this perspective on adapting, but also how you put it. Stay cool. Cheers, Les
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joanmarie
Jul 11, 2021 4:04 pm
I use Stomahesive Protective Powder, made by ConvaTec. But with newer supplies, I rarely develop a rash, so good luck to you. Hang in there!! Joan in Colorado
bryancohnracing
Jul 12, 2021 1:14 am
Mojowin, I had rash, redness, weeping under and around my barrier regardless of the skin protectant I tried. Bob, mentioned above, figured out it was a version of athlete's foot! I've been using Tenactin since stumbling on his posts here and so far have had only one recurrence in 6 months. It was easily treated with a few sprays. I wear an Ostomy Armor Waste Wick daily and spray the skin side of the wick material with the spray. This seems to give me a longer acting effect and clears up the rash in a few days.
Hope this helps and good luck!
NewlifeVictoria
Jul 26, 2021 3:13 pm
Hi, whoever is having rashes, they can get really painful. Just wanted to say I use the Nystop as well and it works quickly. But if you're not careful, it will give you a blowout. So, I use tape around the flange when I put the NyStop anti-fungal powder. By the way, you need a prescription. Hope this helps as well...
Hope everyone is having a great day!
Happy Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday!!
NewlifeVictoria
Jul 26, 2021 3:17 pm
Hello, I was reading your post.
I'm confused, some... happy it's working for you! My skin is pretty good most of the time, but not really right below the stoma, really close to it. Thank you for helping, it's appreciated.
Everyone here is awesome!!
Sincerely, your friend Victoria.