I have only had my ileostomy for about 3 weeks (and it is temporary), but I have some pretty extreme skin irritation in a 2" diameter around my stoma. The weeping causes leaking, which causes me to have to change my wafer, which causes more damage and irritation. It's a painful and inconvenient cycle, and I don't know what to do. I have been changing the wafer 2-5 times every 2 days. I'm tired of leaking, and I'm tired of the burning when I apply a new one. I've tried the wax ring under the barrier; I've tried the paste, and I've tried just the barrier alone. Nothing seems to make a difference. I went to the drug store and purchased some liquid bandage, thinking if I could prevent the barrier from being applied directly to my skin, it would give me a better seal, prevent leaking, and help my skin heal. But when I tried to use it, the burning was so intense on the mildly irritated skin, I was too scared to apply it to the raw skin. Please help me. I don't know what to do, but I can't keep living this way, and I don't want to be in a position to have to go through this in a public place/restroom again. Any advice?

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We brought kids and ostomates together to learn about stomas for the first time. While what kids ask can sometimes be surprising, their sincerity can brighten your day!