Dealing with Persistent Itching from Ostomy Tape

The outer edges of my ostomy tape have itched for years. Is there anything I can do? There's no irritation or redness.
This itch is driving me insane—any advice would be appreciated!

Tiffany

Stopping the itch from mosquito bites might work.

You might be allergic to the adhesive. You could try using a different bag/wafer.

I agree with infinitycastle52777; you might be allergic to the adhesive. I found that while the Hollister device worked fine for me, the adhesive made my skin itch. The odd thing was that it didn't seem to leave any mark, but as soon as I put it on, it would itch, and as soon as I took it off, the itching would stop. I've changed to a Convatec device, and their adhesive does not make my skin itch. I've tried Coloplast devices too; it's just that the Convatec ones worked better for my particular situation.

Is it the tape on the edge of your bag/wafer or additional tape you are adding for extra protection?

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

Everyone's responses seem on point. The only thing I can add to it is to make sure you're spraying the whole area with barrier spray first and let it completely dry to see if that helps. Mine will itch if I miss a spot. Otherwise, like someone else said, you can try a different brand. I've read some people cut the wavier tape off and use paper tape or Tegaderm. If you are allergic to adhesive, I'd go the Tegaderm route. (You can try Sure Seals.) Most insurances cover at least one 10-pack, or it's around $10 out of pocket. Best of luck. 🫂

I find intense itching due to allergies will subside if I take a children's chewable Benadryl…not good as a habit though…so you probably need to change your equipment - just a thought…. jb

I will itch if it's time to change my appliance. You may be allergic to the adhesive, as others have mentioned.

Totally agree with all that's been said. Get all the companies to send you new products and give them all a trial run.

IGGIE

Ice, Tiffany. Sometimes I put ice directly in the bag—obviously, I move it around so it doesn't damage the stoma.
An ice pack on the outside of the bag is fantastic!

Tiffany,

I have had that itch problem off and on for years. I've had my ileostomy for 51 years. You're right, it drives me crazy. However, I use Cortisone 10 Ointment, not the cream, over the counter. Ointment is waterproof and seems to last longer. The itchy area gets red and starts to water.

Be sure to clean the area of the ointment before applying a new pouch. Adhesive will not stick to your skin otherwise.

Perhaps trying a series of different colloids [the base plates] of various manufacturers - on the opposite side of your abdomen - if your abdomen itches after applying them, you can discount that manufacturer.

You may have an allergy - and also we sometimes go through a phase of skin sensitivity - which can pass once diet and general chemical balance are addressed.

We are all different ..... for example, Coloplast is the only manufacturer on the market that has a zinc element within their colloid.

A process of elimination can be achieved quickly without the complication of diet or other considerations by applying to the opposite side of the abdomen. Once a suitable product is found - one can then begin to use it on the stoma site - and assess the results - knowing how it has worked with your non-stoma surrounding abdominal skin.

Just a suggestion.

It's a case of preliminary self-help - along with diet [and time of eating].

Good luck -- hope you find a suitable product for YOU.

BW

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ J ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I've had itching on and off. I find that crusting a little Desonex stops it.

Benadryl helps.