Found a Solution to My Adhesive Allergy with DIY Cotton Flaps

Hello: Happy (remaining) holidays to you all! Just an update on finally finding a solution to my adhesive allergy. Many of you gave me lots of ideas to try; thank you!

Background: I have a colostomy and use a Hollister 2-piece pouching system with a 2 1/4 inch flange; I use closed bags (yes!!) and the wafer is a flat one with taped borders because it has the smallest footprint in contact with my skin. The taped borders are placed above and below rather than on the sides. I use an 8805 barrier ring. I use a Brava barrier spray. The bottom taped border creates an angry, bleeding rash from my pre-existing allergy to medical adhesive. I use my dermatologist-prescribed Ultravate steroid cream on the rash and let it dry before I put a new wafer on.

NOTE: I ruled out the Coloplast wafers early on because I was allergic to the entire wafer, so I went back to Hollister because at least my skin was okay around the stoma part of the wafer.

Here's what I tried, to no avail: 1)requested samples of non-ceramide wafer and ring from Hollister - no difference. 2) I tried using stoma powder on the rash; didn't help to heal it at all - it was a very red rash with bleeding bumps. 3) I tried barrier extenders on the skin below to the wafer and adhered the bottom of the wafer to that -- much worse! The rash got even bigger. 4) From Hollister, I requested samples of wafers with no tape border, and also the 4 x 4 inch barrier sheets; got those in the mail, and that would mean even MORE adhesive on my skin. Didn't even want to try those; yikes.

So, my seamstress skills came to the rescue. The bottom part of the wafer is right where I "bend", so there is a lot of friction there, and the adhesive irritated the skin further. So, I used the paper that you remove from the wafer tape edge and made a pattern. I then used it to cut thin pieces of 100% cotton, and adhered THAT to the bottom of the wafer. Now, it's like a soft little flap that hovers above my skin, allowing the rash to get air and to heal.

I'm not concerned at all about the wafer coming off because the top tape border doesn't bother me, and it stays on just fine. I'm more worried about getting it off! I just spent the afternoon cutting about 20 of these little pieces to go with my stash of wafers. Now I can get through the next month and a half until my reversal surgery. Counting the days!!

May you have a very Happy New Year!!

Very creative!  Glad you found a way to make it work.

Yikes 😬 

Any chance the adhesive wafer was tearing the skin when removing? Seems I had to get used to some wear and tear. There are spray and wipe adhesive removers to help get these off better.

With sensitive skin, I'd use an alcohol free version of everything.

Hi:

I don't think the adhesive was tearing my skin...the rash and bleeding bumps looked exactly like the same reaction I get every time to medical adhesive or plastic against my skin, except this was just a larger area. I do use the adhesive remover and gently peel the edges back to avoid the OUCH. It's pretty sticky stuff! I'm amazed that some ostomates have trouble getting the wafers to stay on. To me, this adhesive stuff would keep the Space Shuttle intact through liftoff and re-entry! (I can say that as a former NASA employee....LOL.)

I discovered that I was allergic to the alcohol in these products. I started noticing reactions with the rubbing alcohol whenever I got vaccinated or had blood drawn.

The only time I have to use extra help removing adhesive is with the Safe-n-Simple longevity rings. I do use an Adapt sting-free silicone-based cleaner religiously for every change now.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Hi New,

Sounds like you're okay until your reversal, but if something changes, here's what you do. Have your dermatologist take a swab of your angry skin. They can then identify what's really going on. I had a similar condition to what you're describing and I figured it out by looking through that stoma problem picture book I keep recommending everyone get a copy of. The first clue was that the angry skin wasn't under the entire adhesive portion of the barrier. The second clue was that the irritation was never under the barrier ring, just under the barrier outer adhesive. I tried antifungals, antibacterials, and steroids, and none worked...which was clue number three. What I ended up having is called seborrheic dermatitis. It's common on the scalp of normal people but can happen anywhere on the body. Taking a fluconazole tablet once a week worked instantly, at least at first. Then its effectiveness decreased. I'm now using Zorvye foam that I put on my skin every time I change on Day 4, and so far, it's working great. Most dermatologists won't think of this type of dermatitis when looking at peristomal skin since they have such little experience with us folks and our problems, so you'll need to prod them in the right direction by mentioning it. Sounds like water under the bridge for you, but maybe someone else out there is having a similar problem and hasn't found the solution. Good luck with your reversal!

;O)

Good for you, glad you have found a solution 👏

I was going to suggest psoriasis, which is very similar. I have a mild case of traditional psoriasis (scalp and a small patch on one elbow). But I also get something called inverse psoriasis in skin folds.

The scale for inverse psoriasis is soft, unlike what you get on the elbows, and it quickly becomes red and very painful. Treatment includes keeping the area dry and using steroid cream.

Adhesive in a skin fold will trigger an inverse psoriasis flare for me. The solution you came up with will work wonders. The cotton fabric and exposure to air will help wick away moisture and keep the area dry. Some over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream would speed healing, but I understand if you don't want to try that. You've been through a lot already!

Hi Sus,

Tried all the steroids from the least strong to the max... none touch it... but the stinging does feel good! I hear psoriasis is a bitch, sorry to hear you're dealing with that crap. As if ostomates don't have enough problems no one ever told us about! Got to love the medical profession... they'll hold off telling you about the bad side effects until you have them. Brilliant!

:O)

Air and being dry will help anything heal. You're already doing that so nothing further to add here. 

Thanks for the well wishes. Psoriasis can be terrible but mine is very mild so it doesn't cause a lot of problems. I'm careful about keeping skin folds dry so I rarely have flares. 

I do this in order: barrier wipe, powder, then barrier spray, and sometimes I repeat powder and barrier spray. To remove the flange, I use the adhesive remover spray, then adhesive wipe, and wash with baby shampoo. I do not have much trouble so far.

I have to change every 4 days. More than six days and I start having problems.

Thank you so very much for sharing your idea! In the last 15 years, I've never had this kind of issue! My area of concern is not where any of my colostomy products are attached, just the area where the pouch is laying on my bare skin. I've also tried numerous different products and OTC products, but nothing has worked. Sometimes in the summertime, when I'm working outside (which is seldom) and get overheated and sweaty, I'll get a slight irritation, but nothing like I have now, and it always cleared up in a day. I thought of using a washcloth to create a barrier between the pouch and bare skin, but of course, it was too thick, and I was afraid it would fall into the toilet during one of my nighttime visits, haha! Your idea sounds wonderful! I don't live near a fabric store but do have an old white cotton pillowcase that will become useful today! One of those items that's been unused, but you just hate to get rid of because it's FABRIC! I have plenty of fabric but not 100% white cotton.

You might try a cotton bag cover. There are patterns online if you can sew. Otherwise there are lots of them on Etsy and you can talk to the makers to ensure the fiber content of their products. A cotton-polyester blend is ok but aim for a high percentage of cotton for breathability. 

Can sew, but my machine tension is messed up. I've been checking online on how to set it. I think my irritation issue is temporary; it seems to be getting a little better. I did come across something I had previously purchased for my mother; she would get irritated under her breast. From Coloplast, InterDry moisture-wicking fabric 10x18 sheet with antimicrobial silver for skin-on-skin irritation, fights itching and odor, and wicks away moisture. Reusable until it becomes soiled. So, I'm going to try using that as a barrier between the pouch and skin. It's been so long ago that I purchased it, I don't remember if I bought it online or from a supply company, or even if it's still available. Buy without a prescription. WWW.INTER-DRY.COM 855-440-4700

I checked and it is still available through Amazon and Edgepark, likely other suppliers as well. 

I may look into getting some. It seems like a great solution for my inverse psoriasis flares and may help with the drain wound that is giving me so much trouble.  

Thanks for your post, Newbie 24. I have had a very similar skin issue and have also tried many things, none of which have really worked. I typically have very red irritation on just one side of the flange, not near the seal, so I do think it's a reaction to the adhesive, and once you get it, you can't clear it up because you keep needing to put on the adhesive! The biggest problem is having to repeatedly put on new adhesive over damaged skin, so you can't break the cycle!

I try to air out my skin for 30 minutes or so after removing my bag, and that feels good, but I don't always have time for that. The best product I've used came from my WOC nurse - a prescription spray called Triamcinolone Acetonide.

Do you ever worry about a leak from having one side of the flange loose?

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. I'll try them!

What exactly is the "stoma problem picture book" you're referring to?

In regards to allergy problems...

I use Hy-Tape. You should be able to get a free sample from them. Their telephone number is: 800-248-0101. The tape comes in rolls and strips. I hope this helps.

FRITZJ

    

I am glad you found a solution! Can you please explain further how you get the pouch to stay on with the cotton against your skin? Is it under the flange? I am the opposite of you; totally allergic to Hollister and can tolerate Coloplast. I go through periods with just the sight of adhesives sets my skin on fire!

Hi Clayla:

Yes, the little cotton strip is below the flange, attached to the adhesive tape that makes up the bottom edge of the flange /skin barrier. The upper edge of the cotton strip is up against the bottom part of the flange ring, so it's not in the way of attaching the pouch at all. So, as you're looking at it when it's on, you see the upper part of the skin barrier/flange and sides attached with the adhesive to the skin, but the bottom edge sort of "floats" below, with the cotton underneath and above my skin. Everything stays on and in place just fine. Hard to describe, but that's how I got it to work.

Hi Pouch Potato:

The flange really isn't loose in this configuration; it's still adhered pretty tightly. It's just the little 1/2 inch wide adhesive tape strip below the flange that floats freely, so not against my skin. No leaking issues.