This topic is about using stoma paste for the first time, specifically focusing on how thick the paste should be applied to create an effective seal without making a mess. Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. **Application and Thickness**
- Apply the paste onto the wafer, not directly on the skin, by tracing the cut edge that surrounds the stoma.
- Form a flat, continuous bead about 2–3 mm thick, which is roughly the width of the paste-tube opening.
- Position the wafer accurately the first time, as the paste can be difficult to reposition and may become messy if disturbed early.

2. **Securing the Seal**
- After applying the wafer, press around the stoma from the outside of the pouch to help the paste fill any small crevices.
- If paste oozes into the bag, gently pull the plastic away, moisten the inside with stoma output, wipe the excess back into the bag, and reseal.
- Lying under a medium-high heating pad for about an hour can help the paste set before you start bending or lifting.

3. **Wear-Time and Change Schedule**
- Many people change their setup on a fixed 3½ to 4-day cycle to monitor skin health, rather than waiting to see how long it lasts.
- Results can vary, so it's important to monitor your own skin and adjust as needed.

4. **Product Options**
- Hollister Adapt Stoma Paste contains alcohol and may cause a brief sting.
- Coloplast Brava No-Sting Stoma Paste is alcohol-free, easier on fresh sutures, and cleans off more easily if changed every two days or less.
- Hollister CeraPlus Premier Drainable Ostomy Pouch is designed for sensitive skin.
- Hollister Adapt Medical Adhesive Remover spray and pads can help with painless wafer removal.
- Convatec Eakin Seals can be rolled into a thin rope and placed around the stoma when a full ring feels too bulky.

5. **Barrier Ring vs. Paste**
- Barrier rings soften with warmth and gentle pressure, filling skin irregularities, while paste is more fluid and immediately fills gaps.
- Rings tend to be more expensive, while paste can be a cheaper option, with a 2 oz tube costing around $20 compared to a box of 10 rings costing about $75 in Canada.

6. **Additional Considerations**
- Be cautious with alcohol-based pastes if your skin is still healing or if stitches are present, as they can sting and be hard to remove, potentially irritating the wound.
- Adhesive-remover wipes are a preferred method for removing paste, but it's important to check if the paste cleans off easily.
- It might be best to revisit using paste once the skin around the sutures has settled.

For more detailed guidance on stoma paste, you can refer to this general guide: https://www.locostmedicalsupply.com/blog/all-need-know-stoma-paste/