Managing a suspected yeast infection around the stoma can be a bit concerning, but with the right steps, it can be handled effectively. This situation often arises when the skin around the stoma becomes irritated, possibly after an appliance blow-out. If a nurse suspects a yeast infection, here are some helpful tips and advice to consider:

1. Reach out to healthcare professionals first. It's important to consult with a wound-ostomy-continence nurse (WOCN), your primary-care physician, or your ostomy surgeon. They might suggest a swab culture to confirm the infection and identify the organism causing it.

2. Keep the skin around the stoma as dry as possible. Moisture can encourage fungal growth, so ensuring the area stays dry is crucial.

3. If you notice the rash getting worse or spreading, don't wait for the next scheduled appliance change. Send photos to your nurse promptly for quicker assessment and advice.

4. Once a yeast infection is confirmed, a prescription antifungal treatment is usually effective in clearing it up. Although someone might refer to it as an "antibiotic," it's typically an antifungal medication that's needed.

5. After the infection has healed, consider applying stoma powder at every appliance change. This can help prevent the infection from coming back.

6. Generally, a two-piece appliance can be worn for about 5 to 7 days. However, if you're experiencing high heat or sweating, you might need to change it more frequently to maintain skin health.