Input/Recommendations on Products to Use

Hi everyone :)

I'm relatively new to having an ileostomy - mine was created in an emergency surgery in July of this year.

In the hospital, the nurse set me up with a Hollister 2-piece system and then used stoma powder and Cavilon skin barrier wipes, and that was it.

That worked well for a while, but now my skin seems to be reacting to the Hollister adhesive - it gets red and weepy if I use it. I also think my skin reacts to the barrier wipe in the same way. At the moment, I'm using Coloplast skin barrier protective sheets underneath the Hollister base, but I'm wondering what other people like? This seems to be working for me, and I like Hollister bags over Coloplast, but I'm open to new suggestions.

My peristomal skin has also degraded a little bit, I think due to previous leakage, and is taking a while to heal up, so I'm open to any recommendations for that as well.

Thanks in advance!!

Ok July 2025: Nice meeting you, I am Lenny. I had a urostomy in 2023, so I think I can help you a bit with this problem. From the beginning, I started using the two-piece system, which worked okay for the first year, but I noticed the surrounding skin of the stoma getting irritated when I used the adhesive paste!

I stopped using the paste and changed to the ROUND 4" skin barrier (it is an adhesive by itself), and this has improved my skin around the stoma, therefore minimizing my skin irritation.

Of course, bear in mind my procedure was urostomy, and I think the bag for ileostomy is slightly different. You did mention Hollister as the brand name. I use Hollister as well from the beginning. Please let me know how you make out. Please speak to your doctor first about my suggestion. Have a great day! Leonard.

G-Day Mariah.

Welcome aboard.

What you should do is contact all the companies that make the bags, and they will send you their bags free of charge for you to try.

I like Hollister and have never had a problem with them, but we are all different and need to try as many as we can for a few days each to see which one is the one for you. It's all trial and error.

Regards, IGGIE

Hello J

Have you tried a moldable barrier ring instead of the protective sheet? I'm a fan of Salts brand.

🔒 Login to see image

Hi July, welcome! I understand your skin is struggling, but are you okay with the protective sheet under the base plate? First, I would call Hollister. They have many different base plates. Perhaps a different one would suit your skin better. If you're not using a barrier yet, I would ask about that too. When I first had a stoma, I used a Hollister 2-piece system; now I use a Convatec 1-piece system.

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

Hi and welcome!

I agree with Axl on using a ring. I like the Hollister Adapt cera slim ring, part number 8815.

🔒 Login to see image

I also agree about using a barrier ring. You may be getting some light leakage, and that is why your skin is breaking out. This is a common issue and one that the right barrier ring will fix.

Unfortunately, you are in the US like me, and we do not have access to the Salts brand Axl recommended. When you call for samples, ask for barrier ring samples too. Try for different types and thicknesses. What works for one may not work for another.

If the barrier ring doesn't fix your issues, you will need a different brand of bags or to continue using the sheet. An allergic reaction is just not a sustainable situation.

Hi Susan

I thought someone said salts were available recently in the U.S., but of course I could be horribly wrong 🤣

As far as I can tell, Salts is still not available here. If I'm wrong, I am sure someone will correct me soon.

G-day Susan,

I hope for all you guys that Salts are now in the US. Their seals are the best, as well as all their other products.

IGGIE

Salts work abroad, but the cera ring Kali mentioned is almost the same thing. It's the best alternative we have in the States, in my opinion. It fixed my skin issues and leaking issues.

Comes in thin or thick depth. 👍

You might want to try Sensura Mio from Coloplast — their adhesive tends to be gentler on sensitive skin. Many people also switch to barrier rings instead of wipes to avoid irritation. Since your skin is healing, keeping the area dry before applying any product helps a lot too.

Salts is available in the Netherlands, and I've used it for a while. It's a great brand with skin-friendly adhesives. When I wanted to switch to Salts, it was already a hassle. I think the material is expensive. The supplier wouldn't allow it. But they don't have any say in the matter, and I'm not going to be bullied. If I want to use Salts, they have to supply it. After a lot of hassle, it was approved. But usually, it's out of stock, and then they try to supply something else. So you have to stock up to get through the waiting period. Now I've switched to Convatec, the new gray one-piece ostomy pouch. The first delivery went well. I'm very curious to see if that will continue. It's the same with all suppliers here. Financially, they struggle with the reimbursements they receive from health insurers. All the smaller suppliers have already merged or been acquired.

G-Day Yrsae67,

Saying Salts is out of stock is 100% BS; they just don't want to sell it for some reason.

Contact Salts and tell them what your supplier is doing, and they will contact them and hopefully fix things.

I use the Salts seal, and it's a game changer; my skin is very good.

Regards, IGGIE

Dear Iggie, when I called Salts, they told me the products were in stock and could be sent to the supplier.

But I suspect it's about money and agreements. I've called the supplier to see if Salts is in stock, but no, it will take at least three weeks.

Then I asked about the new gray Convatec pouch. "In stock, we'll send it to you right away." I'm combining the Convatec pouch with a Dansac GX ring. It's a sturdy ring similar to the Hollister ring.

I also really like the Convatec pouches, so I'll leave it as is.

Perhaps it's worth mentioning that the new Salts series (with the white and black pouches) is not available in the Netherlands. I'm talking about the beige version.

Hi all, just wanted to give a small update.

My skin immediately around my stoma has healed up nicely. I started using barrier rings (thank you for your suggestions :).

My skin further out is still giving me fits. I found Bob's post from a few years back about red, weepy skin and have tried several solutions on that thread. So far, the best thing for me has been to cut my base the same diameter as my barrier ring and then wear a belt to help secure it. This gives my skin the most air to heal it up. Both Hollister tape adhesive and Coloplast Sensura Mio have caused weeping, so I will be trying Hollister Ceraplus and Convatec samples soon. The trial and error… wish me luck!

Best of luck with this. It is the most annoying part of the whole journey! Sending healing thoughts 🙃.

Hi, change your bag to a one-piece drainable bag and use Soberderm barrier spray; it will be a big game changer, and Coloplast Brave XL tape extenders too, x 2 around the outside of the bag flange!! 😊

I have a fairly new ostomy, and I've had good luck with the Hollister two-piece with the barrier ring. I use the regular and not the slim. I place the barrier ring on the barrier before placing it. It works better and is easier to shape and form rather than trying to fit the ring around the stoma. I also prefer the Brava skin barrier spray from Coloplast over the wipes. Using a little stoma powder on those irritated parts will help as well. I haven't tried this, but I saw someone who used a nasal spray on her irritated, weepy skin to help with that. Evidently, the steroids in the nasal spray made a big difference. Just make sure everything is bone dry before you apply the barrier!

Good luck!

Sam

I've never been told my SALTS bags are out of stock!

You should email them directly? www.salts.co.uk & Birmingham, UK & Arnhem, Netherlands.

Hi Panko, I've switched to the new gray Convatec pouches. They're also very good, so I'll leave them as is.

Let Salts know you have changed products and let them know why.

IGGIE