Alternatives to Stoma Powder for Irritated Skin Around Stoma

Replies
17
Views
2444
spope001
Jul 13, 2024 2:44 pm

What can I use besides stoma powder and crusting technique for the skin surrounding my stoma and wafer? It is irritated, itchy, and blotchy.

Justbreathe
Jul 13, 2024 6:42 pm

Are you using a barrier wipe first?

TerryLT
Jul 13, 2024 8:07 pm

The stoma powder and wipe/crusting technique will do nothing for your skin irritation. It is only meant to help the appliance stick to your skin if it is raw and damaged. I don't know what type of appliance you're using, but both Hollister and Coloplast make appliances with wafers infused with ceramide, which is supposed to promote healthy skin. The best product, in my opinion, for damaged skin is made by Salts. It's a barrier ring infused with aloe and was the only thing that healed my skin when it got really bad. If you are able to get that product, I would highly recommend it. It's made in England and is available in Canada and Australia, but someone on this site said there was a way for those in the U.S. to get it.

Terry

Posted by: Primeboy

Hi Mike and all. I am not sure how panoramic my perspective really is as my peripheral vision shrinks with each passing year. I can tell you that when I came to this website six years ago I was truly ;impressed by the positive attitudes of so many members, especially the younger folks who refused to let their ostomies define who they were or what they would become. I also came to appreciate that having an ostomy is not the same thing as having a disease. Pardon ;my pun now, but ostomies and cancer don't belong in the same bag. One is a solution, the other is a problem. Celebrating National Ostomy Day ;is also well outside my comfort zone. That's like celebrating National Wheel Chair Day. Come on!

I think there is a ;need for improved ;public awareness of ostomies, but I am not sure how that's best done. There ;remains ;some social stigma attached to our situation, and it's acutely felt among our young. We need to get out of the dark ages on this issue, but not by going 'in your face' to everyone else. I think Bill and NDY are 'spot-on' when it comes to telegraphing the right message to friends and family. People will know how to react when they ;see ;how we accept the cards we were dealt. I also appreciate the contribution some people here are making to this effort through their publications.

On a personal note, my son has been suffering from ulcerative colitis for years just like I did. I am very concerned because people with UC are at a higher risk for colon cancer. Years ago my GI told me to get annual colonoscopies to be on the safe side. I am glad I did because he eventually found pre-cancerous cells which led to several surgeries and my becoming an ostomate. Since then I have always ;conveyed a positive attitude to ;my son about wearing a bag because it has kept me alive to enjoy many more years with my loved ones. I think he got the message. We both go to the same gastroenterologist in NYC and get scoped on the same day. Father and Son moments!

Someone once wrote that our children are the letters we write to the future.

PB

spope001
Jul 13, 2024 8:44 pm

At first, before using the stoma powder, I was always using a barrier wipe. Then I was told to apply the powder and blot with the wipes. Well, it leaked.

spope001
Jul 13, 2024 8:45 pm

Thank you... will check it out.

 

How to Get Back to Activity after Ostomy Surgery with Kimberly | Hollister

Play
Hisbiscus
Jul 14, 2024 12:22 am

I see you are in Florida. The humidity down there must be a bear for sweating. Try some Domeboro soaks, something you can buy in your local pharmacy. Mix up in water as directed and soak a paper towel, then set it in the area after cleaning up with adhesive, soap, and water. You can do this daily. It should clear up in no time.

Justbreathe
Jul 14, 2024 12:57 am

Early on, I had a nasty rash and was told to use a barrier wipe, then lightly dust stoma powder - it cleared almost immediately. I used both for a long time and eventually dropped the powder. To date, I continue to use a barrier wipe before applying the pouch. On occasion, I do have slight leaks (aka poop around the stoma and outward toward my skin when the bag is removed). Even with that, the skin seems to be protected, which I attribute to the barrier wipe.

IGGIE
Jul 14, 2024 2:50 pm

G-Day spope001, there are lots of different products; it could be the one you're using. All the companies send out free samples; get a few and try them all. It could be as simple as the adhesive on one of them you are allergic to. Regards, IGGIE

spope001
Jul 14, 2024 4:26 pm

Thank you, Hibiscus! Never heard of it, but will definitely check that out. And yes, the heat and humidity here in Florida is over the top.

spope001
Jul 14, 2024 4:28 pm

Thank you for the info, IGGIE. I appreciate it.

margueritelewis89
Jul 17, 2024 1:54 pm

Calamine lotion dried well around the stoma area, then an extra barrier sheet is patted on top of the dry calamine before applying the flange. The secret is to keep the area dry to maintain the flange in place. Hope this helps!

Redondo
Jul 20, 2024 5:41 pm

A doctor recommended using Flonase or Flectonase to heal the skin. I found it really works for me whenever my skin breaks out.

sassy222
Jul 21, 2024 12:48 pm

You can use calamine lotion.

rlevineia
Jul 21, 2024 2:02 pm

Had the same problem. Bleeding, too. My Ostomy Nurse put me on Nyamyc Powder for crusting. It's an antibiotic, used to treat wounds. Need a doctor's script. Switched to wiping pads, not the free tiny wipes. About $20 a box. My "little buddy" is happy now.

Nungsr
Jul 21, 2024 4:35 pm

I have irritated skin also, and it seems like nothing helps. I've tried barrier rings, but they just cause leaking. I've just given up and learned to deal with it, unfortunately. There aren't any ostomy nurses near me.

Toto
Jul 21, 2024 7:27 pm

A wound care doctor told me to get nystatin powder and it works! You need a prescription, but they can give you a big bottle and it lasts a long time!

singtune4u
Jul 21, 2024 7:28 pm

This stuff is expensive, but I think it works well. I used it, then put a barrier wipe and stoma powder over the top of it near the stoma.

Just used it by itself on areas irritated by adhesive. A little goes a long way.

I stretched it out by putting the applicator in a plastic bag after the first use.

Then, the next time I needed it, I used scissors or tweezers to pop off the top sponge applicator, and just used a Q-tip.

I got 2 uses out of each little vial that way. I was able to get it through my supplier and insurance paid for it.

Medline Marathon Liquid Skin Protectant Applicator

https://www.amazon.com/Medline-MSC093001-Marathon-Protectant-Applicator/dp/B00DYZLV8I/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bLEpTN_NzLlrMabsq4FuoRtGwY8-HfmO9vzfDqMAnufGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.Dh1DpzL5d55nNRDjPCdMUwyh_WLgSGMSnZfGTjpfCGY&dib_tag=se&hvadid=410018031072&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9027818&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=18330645009953834084&hvtargid=kwd-593670656382&hydadcr=13397_11424511&keywords=marathon+by+medline&qid=1721590029&sr=8-1

Pooter
Jul 22, 2024 3:24 pm

I use compound tincture of benzoin.