Itchy After Changing My Bag: Anyone Else?

Whenever I change my bag, for like the first half hour afterward, the dang thing itches like crazy. After that, it is ok. Anyone else have this happen?

Lee

Mine itches 24/7, every minute I have the bag on.

Might be a reaction to your skin from the sticky stuff.

But wouldn't it continue if it was that? Because after a while, it does settle down.

Lee

Do you use an adhesive remover and/or a skin barrier product? I have the ability to let my skin air out for a bit before I reinstall my equipment. I also rinse off my skin with "witch hazel" that really helps me.

Thank you for the tip. I do use a skin barrier. I use the one that comes on a wand, or as my ostomy nurse I had back in April and May used to call it, a lollipop. I don't know, it just itches for a while and then it isn't so bad anymore. But gosh, do I ever want to scratch it. I don't, but I want to.

Lee

Sounds like skin allergies—often difficult to pinpoint who the culprits might be—but for me, when all is in harmony, I have absolutely no feeling of discomfort until the load gets heavy and I realize it's time to open the floodgates. jb

Mine itches on and off. Your skin might be very sensitive. I have tried all three major brands. Some itch more than others. In the long run, I found Hollister's Ceramide infused the best. Try them all. If the tissue surrounding the pouch gets itchy and raw, try some aloe or lotion. Don't get it on the pouch.

That is often the case for me. I will get some itching the first day, but it usually goes away after the first night's sleep. If it does not, it is usually a sign I have some seepage and should change the appliance.

Daniel

Yeah, that is kind of what it's like when it's fresh and newly put on. It itches for a bit, but it doesn't stay itchy the whole time it's on, just at first.

Lee

G-Day Lee, I have found that if you use too much skin barrier, it pulls on the skin and makes it very itchy. Less is better; don't overdo it. First, get rid of the so-called lollipop and try another skin barrier, or try it first without any barrier at all. We all use things without testing if we can survive without them. Go without first, then if you need a barrier, try a different one and work from there. Regards, IGGIE

Thanks for the advice, Iggie. I do have skin barrier wipes as well as the lollipops, so I could try that. I have been reluctant to use them because they are different from what I normally use. When I apply the barrier, I usually use the wand on any and all skin that the wafer is going to touch just because I don't want to get sores or anything anywhere. But I use it especially around my stoma because I do get skin breakouts near the stoma site. I guess I could try not using a barrier lollipop. I am afraid to go totally without because then I will need to treat the skin that is near the stoma. You have given me something to think about, and tomorrow morning is a change-the-bag day, so I will maybe give the wipes a try just to see if that is any better.

Lee

G'day Lee, so tell me, did you try a different barrier wipe or even without one? Regards, IGGIE

I have the same problem, just itchy for about half an hour. Try calamine lotion. Works for me.

I will have to try that, not sure if I have any on hand. I'll ask my mom if she has any.

Lee

I don't really go without a barrier wipe because if I do, then my skin breaks out. I do have a different wipe aside from the wands. I have been reluctant to try it because it is a little wipe, and the wands are not so little, and I think the wands will work better. I don't know; since I have a different kind, I suppose I should at least give it a try.

Lee

Witch hazel doesn't interfere with the adhesion of the bag?