Healing Tips for Irritated Peristomal Skin

I have irritated skin around part of my stoma. Any suggestions on healing? I have a nurse every 3 days to change the bag, and they just use water to clean the stoma and the area around it.

I'd fire those nurses. Just water? To clean and no advice on care? Fired. Complain to the nursing organization. What they are doing isn't right.

This topic has been discussed many times. And the first line of improvement is with a wound care nurse or stoma nurse. Or your doc/surgeon.

You need a diagnosis, first.

You are gonna have to be your own advocate and get things done. Ask. You will learn a few things here you can use to help you when speaking to those professionals. Sit tight. Help is coming.

Are you able to change the bag by yourself? Get in touch with an actual stoma nurse.

IGGIE

Lots of people use just water. Nothing is wrong with it as long as your skin gets clean and stays healthy.

I agree with Alex, nothing is wrong with cleaning with only water. That's all I use.

You do need a stoma nurse to help you learn to change yourself and to diagnose why your skin is sore.

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

First thing to be checked is whether they are cutting the hole in the flange to the right size. Ideally, there should be a 1mm space around the stoma. There is nothing wrong with just washing it in water; personally, I use soap, but that's just my choice. They should be putting something on your skin to help it heal.

I agree with just warm water to clean around the stoma, but after the water, I use an adhesive wipe to remove any remaining residue. Then, after making it 100% dry, I spray a barrier spray and let that dry 100%, and that's when I put my washer on, followed by my wafer, and last, the bag.

Regards, IGGIE

Thank you all. I will contact the nursing agency ASAP!

You can try stoma powder or Marathon; Marathon works well but is expensive. If your nurse can get ahold of some for you for free, then that would be good. My stoma nurse was able to get me some at no charge. Get your nurse to do her job and teach you how to properly care for your stoma—more than just water and washing it off. If you are in pain, tell the nurse so. Let them know what they are doing isn't working for you.

Granted, warm water will clean the area.

Did anyone pick up on the word irritated? She asked about it. And not knowing its origin, water will keep it clean, but then, what?

Suggestions from all members above for the skin care are great.

But not being able to recognize or diagnose the skin issue is why I answered that way. Everyone overlooks the root cause and goes for a quick fix with 🤞 or a hail Mary.

The fact that the nurses can't identify the type of irritation concerns me. Water? Yeah, okay, clean it, fine, and?

Fired.

Robjac2, not just the nursing agency, but a stoma nurse.

IGGIE

Use a skin prep to help the skin. You may need a diaper rash lotion to clear it up.

Make sure your skin is super dry before applying. I found a stoma ring on first helped reduce leaks. If your output is watery, it is much harder to stop leaks; it is the output against your skin that causes irritation and a breakdown of the skin. Try using the thickening crystals in your bag.

Try barrier powder over the affected area and spray with Cavilon, and don't leave it on too long to change. If you feel it starting to tingle, it's already on too long. One other thing: after about a year, out of the blue, my bag's adhesive started to irritate my skin; a change of bag solved the problem.

I have an appointment with my surgeon today. Wish me luck!

Good luck, Robjec, and ask him for the name of the best stoma nurse.

IGGIE

Quick question… Can you use a Hail Mary if you aren't a Catholic? Asking for a friend….jb

Just try it; it will not hurt.

😄 what xnine said 👏 ⬆️