Dealing with Skin Irritation Around My Stoma After 35 Years

I have had my ileostomy for thirty-five years and for the first time ever, I have developed some pretty irritated skin around the stoma. Quite deep in areas and it has spread rather quickly. I have an appointment tomorrow morning at the wound center at my local hospital. I will be honest and say I'm very concerned because I know eventually this will lead to leakage problems, let alone the need to get this under control as soon as possible. Obviously, I am going to need some type of antibiotic applied to the area to fight whatever is going on, and my wonder is how do you apply a pouch directly on areas like this. I wear Hollister and a pouch with convexity due to a hernia which in the past had leakage issues but was corrected instantly with a convex bag. Although I remember reading that one of the risks associated with wearing convexity bags is that ulcers can form due to the pressure. But what are you going to do when this type of bag is what works best? I was wondering if anyone else out there has had skin issues similar to this and how long it takes to heal, etc.? I have never used the skin prep procedure because if it works, don't fix it. I only use plain water, no soap when changing, and when I've had slight irritation issues, I have always had luck with Hollister Stoma Powder. Oh, feeling anxious about this and any input would be appreciated!

Magpie,

I used Convatech 1 piece drainable pouches for 10 years without issue after my surgery. I moved to the south in my 11th year and started noticing weepy skin under the paper tape that goes around the wafer to anchor it down, and it would itch so badly, my ears would ring. It turns out that my pH balance changed or something was causing an allergic reaction to the tape. That, and they probably changed the adhesive ingredients for the tape on the pouch.

I now cut off the tape, but I've never had a reaction to the wafer itself. I can't even wear a band-aid for more than 3 days. I do use a skin prep and always have. It's possible your body has developed an allergy to the pouch material. You can call Hollister and see if they have changed the ingredients in the wafer. I hope this helps.

Bain