This topic is about managing raw, painful skin and frequent leaks around a new ileostomy. If you're experiencing these issues, here are some helpful tips and advice to consider:

1. Seek Professional Help
- Ask your surgeon or gastroenterologist to refer you to a certified wound, ostomy, and continence nurse (CWOCN). You can also search the WOCN Society directory online or book free telehealth visits through services like ConvaTec me⁺ or Corstrata.
- Remember that frequent re-measurement of your stoma is important, as its size can change for 6-8 weeks after surgery.

2. Improve Seal and Prevent Leaks
- Consider using convex wafers or bags, such as Convatec or SenSura Mio Convex, and use an elastic belt to keep them flat over any abdominal folds.
- Cut the wafer opening just slightly larger than the stoma, pull the skin upward, apply the wafer from the bottom up, and warm it with a hair-dryer or warmed towel for better adhesion.
- Use barrier rings or alcohol-free stoma paste to fill in any dips or creases.
- Empty the pouch before the output reaches the baseplate and try to avoid sleeping on the stoma side.

3. Soothe and Protect Raw Skin
- Dust irritated skin with ostomy or stoma powder, then use a "crusting" technique by dabbing with 3M Cavilon No-Sting Barrier Film before applying the wafer.
- Some people use 3M Micropore Tape over sore skin before applying the wafer for quick protection.
- Another method is to layer stoma powder, place a custom-cut piece of plastic food wrap around the stoma, and then apply the wafer to protect the raw skin while it heals.
- Use Head & Shoulders dandruff shampoo to cleanse during changes, followed by diaper-rash cream like Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, which is left on for 10 minutes and then wiped off before pouching.
- If leaking has stopped, athlete’s foot spray or low-strength cortisone/prednisone powder can help with open, weeping skin.
- Ensure any paste used is alcohol-free to avoid stinging on broken skin.

4. Product and Brand Recommendations
- Consider using Convatec wafers and me⁺ virtual support, or Corstrata telehealth services.
- Coloplast offers Brava Alcohol-Free Stoma Paste and SenSura Mio convex pouches.
- 3M provides Cavilon No-Sting Barrier Film spray/wipes and Micropore Tape.
- Barrier rings and seals are available from various brands.
- Head & Shoulders shampoo and Boudreaux’s Butt Paste diaper cream can be useful.
- Over-the-counter athlete’s foot spray, hydrocortisone lotion, and powdered prednisone (as a last resort) may also help.

5. Dietary and General Tips
- Temporarily switch to bland foods and add Greek yogurt or probiotics to reduce the acidity of the output.
- Change barriers more often during the learning phase to monitor skin condition.
- Keep asking questions and seeking advice—early challenges are normal and can be solved with the right products and fitting help.