Is My Stoma Site Infected?

Some of the skin next to my stoma is hard, red, and feverish; a Google search suggests that it is an infection. Does anyone have any experience with this type of skin problem?

Hi, the skin around my stoma is the same color as the stoma—a red color surrounding it, like a moat around a castle.

It appears inflamed because of the color, yet it doesn't hurt or feel warm. I'm thinking it's irritated, possibly by the appliance I use. I've heard many stories about this occurring.

Allergic reactions are very common with our members.

Do you have an ostomy nurse? When can you see your PCP?

Is there pain? Are there torn open sores?

Post a picture if possible.

If the condition persists, see a doctor right away.

Hi j,

Without a pic, it's hard to say what's going on, and I'm not sure what you mean by "feverish." Normally, red skin adjacent to your stoma is caused by an irritant or allergy, not an infection. Is the red area warm to the touch, and is there any discharge from that area? Shoot a pic over to your stoma nurse, which, if you don't have one... get one. You'll probably be needing them at some point in the future anyway, so go make your contacts now. If that's just not possible right now, then post a pic and we'll take a shot at figuring out what's going on.

;O)

Well, bro... you know Google. It knows your medical history, diet, appliance type, etc. NOT! 🤦‍♂️ So, of course, it's a correct diagnostic tool. 😆

How to Get Back to Fitness After Ostomy Surgery with Ryan | Hollister

You need this seen to by a wound care nurse or similar. In the meantime a barrier cream would help. Or if the skin really does break down and start weeping or bleeding stoma powder could be used.

Hi, I took a trip to Florida in Jan-Feb 2025. About two weeks after I arrived, my belly button oozed some yellow juice…not nice! I am from Northern Canada and found Florida to be quite hot. I most likely sweat a lot and thought that was the problem at first. The problem got worse quite quickly. I recognized I had a big problem, but thought I could self-treat it with alcohol. It stung like hell, so I figured it was working. After coming back home, some weeks later it appeared to be improved, so I stopped the alcohol. Three days later, I took off my pouch, and to my horror, it was as bad as ever. I called in a home care nurse, who thought she could fix it with a treatment of a material that is laced with silver. However, after another two weeks, it was not cured. So… off to the doctor, who immediately took samples and sent them out for testing, etc. He gave me prescriptions for antibiotics, both oral and topical, for 10 days. I followed instructions, and it worked. I am still holding my breath that it stays healthy. FYI: I also have a fairly large hernia, and my belly button is about 3/4” deep.
For now, I am happy again.
Lesson learned… I'm NOT a doctor, but luckily I have one… use him!

Jim7