Using Barrier Strips Under Ostomy Wafers for Skin Protection

I know barrier strips are supposed to be used to add security to my ileostomy wafer, but I have started putting the strip on my skin first, then the wafer on top. This keeps my skin from any adhesive irritation and healthy looking. A must recommendation.

G-Day Steph, This sounds like a back-to-front method. If you are having problems with adhesives, then change your product instead of working in reverse. Regards, IGGIE

Ok, am I confused? Is there a difference between barrier rings and strips? I've never seen them, but I don't look stuff up. I put a ring on, then my wafer. Am I doing this right?

Yes, there’s a difference and it sounds like you’re doing it right. 

If you’re putting barrier strips down first and then sticking your wafer on them, your whole wafer isn’t stuck to your skin, creating the possibility of leaking under it.  Also, barrier strips are adhesive too so I’m not getting how they protect your skin from adhesive. 🤷‍♂️

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

I've done the same thing when I've had a bit of skin irritation from the tapes from the wafer, healed the skin really well and the wafer stayed in place just fine until the next change.  Probably too much information but have noticed since going through the "change" that my skin condition can be unpredictable, one of the joys of turning into an old crone I guess (that and the chin hairs that appear from nowhere I could seriously do without!) ~ just pass me my broomstick!🧙‍♀️🧹😅

I didn't want to try out a whole new appliance system when I knew that this would work (I used the UK brands, Salts and Welland barrier strips, some have aloe or manuka honey so are very gentle on the skin but still adhere well).  

Hmm. How do you get a perfect seal completely around the stoma in a donut fashion?

These strips are super heavy-duty adhesive, which could also create worse irritated skin.

There are 4 by 4 sheets available to protect your skin. I saw something about that.

Idk... creating a larger area to save a smaller one sounds... practical but maybe... counterproductive due to more adhesive on the sheets to deal with. Good topic.

Might try the C strips if I figure out how to put a "C" around a

small hole in one piece. 🤔

I tried this.

My ET nurse told me not to do this.

I'm sorry. E T nurse?

What kind of nurse is that?

I never heard of it. Their credentials are what?

I remember a story abt these E.T. people. Trying to phone home. 🛸🚀

G-Day Warrior,  In case he doesn't get back to you I found this out for you. 

Enterostomal therapy (ET) nurses specialize in the management of patients with urinary and fecal diversions, draining wounds and fistulas, fecal and urinary incontinence, and chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers and vascular ulcers. ET nurses have much to offer in the management of patients with cancer.

Regards IGGIE

Thanks Iggie.   Never heard of one. That helps. 👍

Good Lord 😂,  I think I should be dead. I’ve never worried about killing any bacteria to that degree in my life on any body part I have, pre or post ostomy. Do you clean your shadow too? 😬 Have you always been like this or just since getting an ostomy? 

Compulsive Disorder rings a bell. 

OCD.  😆for sure.