Persistent Raw Skin: Seeking Solutions

Question

Things have improved, but my problem has not been solved. Here is what I have tried so far: Calamine lotion (made it worse), Cavilon spray with and without powder (no improvement), barrier ring (now we are getting somewhere, but still not gone). The interesting thing is that after the barrier ring, the skin around my stoma is healed quite nicely, but there is still a small crescent-shaped area beyond the reach of the barrier ring that is refusing to heal. I tried (living dangerously) putting some Polysporin on the raw area, with a tiny piece of gauze, cut exactly to the size of the damaged area, stuck that on, then applied the appliance. It was well sealed all around the area with the poly and gauze, and it held in place for 48 hours, and probably would have held longer. It is a little bit better, so I just did the same thing again, and will look at it again tomorrow. I remain hopeful, but something tells me it's still not going to be better. If I could just get that barrier ring to stretch to cover the damaged area, I think that could work. I might try warming it and see if it will stretch. Any other suggestions? Terry

TerryLT · Answer

I am looking forward to trying the pouches when they get them in. They are a lot cheaper than the Hollister ones I've been using, even coming from the U.K. Fingers crossed!Terry

TerryLT · Answer

Yes, I noticed that it came off easily, with no residue.

Ostomate &amp;amp; woundr · Answer

Barrier rings also come in paste strips, not paste from a tube. That's a whole different product and not one I'd recommend for raw skin.
Barrier strips are used to seal deformities or fill in gaps. It's best if you can make everything as level and flat as possible to apply your wafer. Think of it as putting sparkle over a bunch of pebbles to make a flat walkway. The layering technique with the powder and the skin barrier has to be done in multiple layers. We usually recommend about 10 until it looks like a sugar donut. Once I have a premium membership, I can message you because photographs would be helpful. Tell me again where you live and let me see what the resources are to send a WOCN to you.

TerryLT · Answer

Hi Osto, thanks for your response. My skin has completely healed and I'm back to my normal routine, which is just applying my pouch, without any need for barrier strips, rings or what have you. My peristomal skin is flat and I don't have leaks, so I have never needed them. The tiny little areas of rawness I occasionally get right at the base of my stoma are just from me not cutting the flange perfectly, and I've always corrected it easily by applying a couple of layers of stoma powder/barrier wipe, and it's cleared up by the time of my next change. Now that I have discovered the Salts flange extenders, very thin, infused with aloe, if I ever have a skin issue like this last one, I will use a small piece of it again, as it worked beautifully to heal my skin. My problem was that I had let it get too bad before I contacted my ostomy nurse. I am now prepared and won't make that mistake again. I do have an excellent ostomy nurse. Thanks again.Terry

theresakendall76 · Answer

I'm having lots of problems with sore skin. Could you tell me what salts are, please?

TerryLT · Answer

Salts is a company located in the U.K., so you should have easy access to their products. I've only tried the flange extenders so far, but I'm waiting for samples of their pouches too. I've been really impressed with the aloe-infused product, and the pouches and barrier rings also have it. Look them up and request samples. Good luck!Terry

Persistent Raw Skin: Seeking Solutions

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