Allergic to Adhesive on Colostomy Bag: Need Solutions

So I finally found a secure colostomy bag that works for me. The Hollister 2-piece system with the belt really holds it secure. The problem is I'm allergic to the adhesive. The stoma nurse told me to cut all the adhesive off, but that just makes it unsecure. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Nexcare Tegaderm may help you. It's a clear bandage. Hopefully, that adhesive won't bother you, and you can put your appliance on over it. I am very sensitive, and I use Brava barrier cream, stoma powder, and Cavilon skin protection, which helps. I need to change my appliance every two to three days and can't let it get wet, or I itch badly. My stoma nurse advised me to apply cortisone cream and antifungal on my skin for about twenty minutes, then wash it off with Cetaphil when my skin gets really irritated. Can't use cortisone every time, as it thins the skin. If the area is swollen, I've used Anusol in addition to other creams. Shortly after I got out of the hospital, I had cellulitis, and for some reason, that scarring causes a lot of itching, so I use Benadryl to deal with that. I find there is a lot of trial and error with an ostomy, but eventually, you'll find what works for you. The Hollister brand is the appliance I use after trying various other brands.

Hey Dogger,

I do the same thing... I cut the entire adhesive off the Hollister barrier. THEN I use 3M Micropore tape (in skin-colored taupe) and go around the outside edge of the barrier, securing it to my tum-tum. Works great! Go get you some! Oh... it also comes in white if you're an albino or from Northern Ireland! And of course, I use the Hollister belt... never leave home without it!

;O)

w30bob thank you for the info.

This site has been a game changer for me.

It always has the answers.

Kyle thank you, I'm going to that.
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Same! I can wear one brand for a while, then develop an allergy to it. Hollister was the first to go. I just try another brand when I realize the one I'm using is beginning to irritate. So sorry you're experiencing that. I know it's really hard. Nystatin powder is super helpful, too! Then with spray adhesive over it…works great 😊

Nystatin powder. That's the second time someone has mentioned that on this site. I will try it, thank you. 🙏

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If you use the Medipore tape, there are two kinds: one paper, which works okay for me with no problems, or the woven kind; that one I break out from (see pic). Otherwise, I use Sure Seals, and it works wonders for me with no breakouts, and it's great for showering. I haven't been brave enough to try swimming yet, but I'm sure it would work. It's basically Tegaderm. Your insurance may cover a box; mine does. Just be careful with off-brand Tegaderm, like Walgreens or Walmart brands; I've broken out from them. Hope it helps 😊

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(Come in different flange sizes)

Thank you, everyone, for all the help!

Can't wait to see the stoma nurse!

Have you tried ConvaTec SureFit Moldable? I am allergic to the adhesives, and this is the only one that doesn't bother my skin, and it holds well for me.

Thank you for the advice!😊

Every 6 months or so, I become allergic to whichever system I'm using. Try wiping the area with diluted tea tree oil and leaving the bag off for a bit between changes. Then prepare the skin as usual for the new bag. Nystatin powder under adhesive spray helps, too. Otherwise, place a gel ice pack over the irritated, itchy area—with the bag in place. It calms inflammation.
Maybe try a new product 🙃😊

Anyone allergic to the adhesives used in the flanges may want to consider a non-adhesive system. They are available from Nu-Hope Labs.

Try the waterproof tape by HyMax; latex-free with zinc oxide. Works for me.

Hollister makes the same wafer without the tape. It's either all CeraPlus or all Flextend, depending on which you prefer. So, the wafer part is basically much bigger. However, I find that it is thick and buckles since I am a small person and the area around my stoma bumps out. So, instead, I cut most of the tape off (tape is the name for that taupe part past the wafer). But you may want to try the wafer without tape if that is what you are allergic to.

I was allergic to Hollister a while ago and called them, and they suggested a wafer they had made of fruit pectin. I'm not sure if they still make it, but I used it for about a year, and it worked!

Hello Remdog:

I can relate! I had my colostomy for 4 months and had a really bad adhesive rash the entire time. I had my ostomy reversed in February, and I still have a red square rash scar from the ostomy skin wafer! I used the Hollister two-piece system with closed pouches. I had a pre-existing allergy to medical adhesive tape (while in the hospital, it was paper tape! Paper tape! on all my IVs and such). That allergy was diagnosed by my dermatologist decades ago, and I always have a tube of prescription Ultravate cream (halobetasol propionate) handy in case I encounter adhesive or polyethylene in contact with my skin. So, while I had my ostomy, I went to my dermatologist for my annual skin exam, and she looked at the rash and told me I could use Ultravate when I changed out the wafer. My surgeon also okayed that. So, I followed that advice. It helped calm the rash down, but I still have the aftereffects of 4 months of adhesive stuck to my skin. I guess my advice to you is to have your dermatologist take a look because they could recommend something specific to your skin. I hope you find some relief!

Nystatin is great. My Ostomy RN put me on it. Not covered by insurance, but it cleared up my periostomal rashes. To dissolve it better, she put me on Cavilon wipes. Also not covered by insurance. A $70 box lasts me 50 days. Tax deductible.

Hollister itched and leaked. Flimsy wafer falls apart. RN put me on Convetec moldable. Less itching and does not fall apart. Not one leak in almost 3 years! I'd like to know more about the pectin wafer. Can I make grape jam or apple butter with it?

I use Brava sheets under my flange; it helps a lot.

Hey Remdog, I have the same issue only with Coloplast. It's a daily struggle to just try to keep the skin healthy. I use a combination of Tegaderm, crusting, and calamine lotion for the itch, which works okay for a bit. I then will have to use Flonase along with an hour of airing out daily for the open sores to heal. This has become very cumbersome, and I am seriously considering irrigation. I hope you find something that works for you.