Itchy Skin Around Wafer After Surgery – Normal or Not?

I was wanting to know if it is norm for the skin to get itchy under and around the wafer/flange so soon after it was put on (within a few hrs, somtimes as little as half hr).
I have always had this prob since i have had an illeo (4th May 2010).
Is it norm because it is still so early after op?
It gets that bad it drives me so crazy that I scratch it that much that around the wafer gets really red and sore and somtimes bleeds (just from my scratching)
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I have tried all brands and all the same, atm i am using Convatec.
PLEASE I NEED HELP!!!

no it is not normal, what products are you using when you put the bag on, maybe you're having a reaction to one of them, but we need to know what you're using.

Hi there Eddie80, I ran into the same problem shortly after I got my ileostomy, and one of the nurses told me to apply a small amount of calamine all around the area of the wafer. After applying the calamine, I used a hair dryer on low for a few seconds to make sure it was dry before putting on the wafer. It worked wonders for me; after a week, it went away and never occurred again. Hope this works for you, Ed.

I already said what I am/have used in my orginal post.
I have tried all brands and atm am using Convatec.

Thanx I'll try that!

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I already said what I am/have used in my orginal post.
I have tried all brands and atm am using Convatec.      

Hi - I think Bearcat was meaning do you use any skin prep or soap or powders or anything for cleaning prior to putting the pouch on? Rach xx

Hi Eddie - If your area is that itchy, and particularly if it is red and/or weeping you probably have a fungal infection.  I've had many, usually with the Hollister flanges - not so much with Convatec, so you can see how everyone is so different.

If you've had antibiotics lately, it helps to take an anti-fungal medication for up to two weeks, and also doing the anti-fungal powder (in the store for athlete's foot). Dust the powder on, then dab it with a skin prep pad to make it a paste - let it dry, then put the flange over the dried paste.  You may need to use tape if it won't stick well.  But in my experience Convatec almost sticks TOO WELL  
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I  go crazy with the itching too - and that is why I'm willing to take the pills.  Now I am also putting an Eakins seal under my flange to make sure nothing leaks under it.

Good luck - it's a challenge!     
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Hi - I think Bearcat was meaning do you use any skin prep or soap or powders or anything for cleaning prior to putting the pouch on? Rach xx      

Oh i don't use powder as it not red or anything.
i have started using 'Easy On' but that not helping.
it only gets red and sore FROM me scratching.

Then you try the regular stoma powder from your supplier.  Frankly, though I think it's a good idea to try the allery recommendations.     
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Have you considered contact dermatitis or allergies?
You should find out more about the products you are using if possible - whats in them and why are they making your skin react.
The fungal infection is another good suggestion - moist warm areas are where they thrive...

The difficulty is that you need to get the skin to heal before it will stop itching.  It really is a case of trial and error but the sooner you start experimenting the better.

Good luck!

there is nothing wrong with my skin! It looks fine and healthy. It gets red and sore BECAUSE i scratch it, before i start scratching it is fine other than it itches. That is the problem I am having, there is NO visiable signs as to WHY it gets itchy.

Well, Eddie - my skin usually looks fine too - it's the intense itching that lets me know there is a problem.  Yes, then I start scratching it and it turns red, and sometimes weepy.

I wish a WOCN would answer your question here - I guess we are all telling you what OUR WOCNs told us or what works for us.  The bottom line seems to be there are various routes to try and surely one of them will work for you  
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    That's all from sunny San Diego

Sometimes, when the itching gets unbearable, I take a Benedryl tablet and in one half hour, no more itching. Never scratch the skin under the barrier as you can cause infections and sores.
When I change my barrier I use plain warm water to clean the area and then apply a light coating of stoma powder before I apply the no sting adhesive. Works for me all of the time.

Mike

My 2cents -- (ileo since Dec 09 using Convatec 2 piece system)

7 times out of 10, after applying a new flange, there is an itchy sensation for a bit. I put it down to the new glue on my 'tired of all the stuff' skin.

That initial itchiness goes away within a couple of hours. But I do get random itchiness every once in awhile (I think most of us do).

I don't use the barrier powders/films unless the skin is broken.

If your skin looks fine, maybe you have an allergy to that particular glue ... or it's your skin just complaining a bit
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Go easy on the scratching ... I just use my knuckle gently back and forth.

All the best,
Beatrice

I AM FROM CANADA,AND FIND THAT PUTTING APPLE CIDAR VINEGAR INTO MY BATHWATER AT WASH TIME,IT HELPS CURB THE ITCHING,AND ALSO TO USE THE ALCOHOL SWABS AROUND THE STOMA SKIN AREA BEFORE PUTTING ON THE FLANGE.
MIKE IN CANADA

Hi all,
I have solved the problem. My GP told me to take the 24 hr allergy meds and they are working!
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HOORAY! Now, THAT was a simple solution to a complicated problem.  I'll try that next time I have a rash and see if it helps.  Thanks for the update.  
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