Managing a Recessed Stoma and Skin Irritation

Hi, I have a quick question. I had my colostomy done last October. I ended up with a recessed or retracted stoma, mine as well below the skin level. We've tried convex bags and all sorts of things, but it just does not pop out. My question is if anyone else out there has this type of stoma and also gets burning around the edges of your stoma during a bowel movement, is there anything that I can put on it that will stop the burning? Sometimes it's not so bad, but then other times it really hurts. And this one is not temporary, so I have to find a way to learn to live the rest of my life with this thing. I thought about Vaseline or something like that, but I'm afraid that it will interfere with my seal, and I'm allergic to every stoma paste that I've tried. I've tried the powder before, but it doesn't seem to do as good of a job at stopping the burning, so if anybody has any tips or tricks they do, I would be greatly appreciative.

Hi Chimom, if it's a permanent ostomy, I would think the only solution is to have surgery to pull it out, and it's not a full open type of surgery.

Definitely talk to your surgeon about pulling out that stoma.

In the meantime, are you using a barrier ring? If not, try putting a barrier ring underneath a convex wafer. Form it tightly against your stoma. It will help absorb output and prevent it from getting to your skin. That burning you feel is output on your skin.

Hi ChiMom, maybe try a convex barrier ring. I use them along with a convex bag. Hollister Adapt Convex Barrier Rings. I'm trying to post a pic, but not sure it's going through….

https://www.vitalitymedical.com/media/catalog/product/cache/de6c645b4ba0a0945c43c821ae2a0ac4/a/d/adapt_convex_barrier_rings_1.png

 

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Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

That's a pic of an oval ring. I use round.

Hi ChiMom,

I used to have the same issue with my first urostomy. It was so bad for many years, so I know all too well your challenges. I'm so sorry! Mine was so bad it caved in. It was unpouchable. I lived an absolute nightmare and could not find any surgeon to help me. I ended up going to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. They were the only ones willing to help me with a revision. They ended up giving me a new stoma through mesh. It now sits level with my waistband. This new one has been pouchable. It's still flush and I have to use deep convex, but so much better than it was! For the skin issues, look up “Marathon Liquid Skin Protectant.” It's similar to a purple glue, but is meant for skin and it's breathable so the skin heals. I used it constantly before my revision. Nothing else would work when it was so deep and flush. The only downside is that it can be pricey. eBay might have it cheaper. I hope things improve for you. 🫂

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I'm the same as you, and I just had a revision, but it made no difference because they couldn't find the fascia that they could fasten the intestines to, so I'm still an innie. This week I've had a horrific time trying sheets, powders, and other sheets and skin protectants. I changed it twice on Thursday, twice on Friday, and my skin was so sad. My next step is to try the Marathon stuff, but last night I stepped away from the sheets and just went with powder and skin protectants, and so far it's holding - but I haven't produced anything either. I've sent away for that Flowassist device to see if that will help keep waste off my skin. The trick is that once the skin starts weeping, the bag won't stick to it, so then waste gets underneath the flange, and you have the leaks. I'm trying to get in to see the wound nurse, but they are so backed up I can't get in to see them, and I need help now. That's where this group is so helpful. I thought the powder was stopping the flange from sticking, but this time I did the powder/skin protectant wipe/powder/skin protectant procedure, and my skin is not hurting this morning, so that's good. Sometimes keeping it simple helps, though I'm still ordering the Marathon stuff!

Forgot that I use Domeboro medicated soak on my skin each time I change it, and it is very soothing to my irritated skin.

Hi ChiMom,

Please try the Hollister adapt barrier ring if you have not already tried it. It swells up on exposure to liquid and helps to prevent further contact with the skin. I understand that you are already using a powder. I hope it settles.

I will check these out. Thanks.

I have the same issue; the first four months were horrible. I could not leave home because within 20 minutes there was some type of issue with the pouch. Like the other person suggested, get Hollister products. There's a two-piece system I just recently discovered that has changed my whole life and how I conduct my day. Unfortunately, having this type of procedure is not easy to deal with, and without a doubt, I have to say Hollister has the most quality products, and I'm quite sure you'll find a pouch that works with your stoma.

Mine is like that; it is so small compared to my mucus one. I find that strange, but the stoma nurse says it's okay. I use a barrier ring; I have done since it shrunk and stayed a certain size. I also put it on my base plate instead of straight around my stoma, and then I know it has sealed around everything. Any tiny gap and it will get through, believe me. I have had the burning; it's not nice. Try some rings, hun.