This topic is about dealing with a weepy, irritated skin patch under the edge of an ostomy wafer. This can be a tricky situation because it affects how well the wafer sticks, which can lead to leaks and more irritation. The person experiencing this issue is considering using calamine lotion but is unsure about its effectiveness and application. Here are some helpful tips and alternatives to manage this situation:
1. Cleaning and Skin Preparation
- Remove your appliance while in the shower and let warm water gently wash over the area. Use shampoo, hair conditioner, or a non-oily moisturizer like Nivea Cocoa Butter to cleanse.
- Make sure all old adhesive is removed. Shaving the area with a clean disposable razor can help create a smooth surface.
- Pat the skin completely dry and let it air out as much as possible before applying any products.
2. Calamine Lotion
- If you have nothing else on hand, you can use calamine lotion. Dab a small amount on the sore spot with a Q-tip, let it dry thoroughly, and repeat once or twice before applying the wafer.
3. Hydrocolloid "Washer" Products
- Eakin Cohesive Seals: These are soft, moldable rings that you place over the irritated area before applying the wafer. They come in different sizes:
- Small (about 2 inches) for thicker output.
- Wide (about 4 inches, similar to wafer size) for very liquid output.
- The central hole can be stretched to fit your stoma. These seals act as a protective barrier, can double the wear-time (up to four days for some users), and promote healing.
- DuoDerm: This is a hydrocolloid sheet that you can cut to be slightly larger than the weepy patch, allowing the wafer to adhere over it.
4. Output-Thickening Aid
- Absorbagel sachets can be added to your pouch each time you empty it. They help turn very watery output into a thicker gel, which can reduce nighttime leaks.
5. Practical Tips to Prevent Future Breakdown
- Change your system immediately if you feel itching under the wafer, as this can be an early sign of acidic output breaching the barrier.
- Keep the Eakin seal and wafer surface dry during application. If the stoma spurts, quickly blot it with a paper towel.
- Frequent changes, especially if the skin is raw, combined with using barriers, can speed up healing. Consider changing daily if needed.
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