The topic at hand is about managing sweating under an ostomy appliance, especially during hot weather, which can lead to leaks and skin irritation. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others who have faced similar challenges:
1. Experiment with different manufacturers to find a system that handles sweat better:
- Some people have found that Hollister products work well in sweaty conditions, while others prefer Convatec pouches or the Convatec Esteem one-piece with an Eakin barrier ring. One person mentioned that switching to Convatec helped solve their summer leaking issues.
- Another option is Braun appliances with a Salts seal.
- Switching from a Hollister 2-piece to a Hollister one-piece (#8958) has also been reported to extend wear time and reduce leaks.
2. Consider skipping skin barrier sprays or wipes unless your skin is damaged:
- Products like Cavillon can weaken the adhesive of modern wafers. Ostomy nurses and Hollister customer service suggest using them only if your skin is irritated.
- Some people noticed stronger adhesion in hot weather after stopping the use of Cavillon.
3. Ensure your skin is dry and clean before applying the wafer, as appliances stick best to moisture-free skin.
4. Use barrier rings or seals for added security:
- Options include Brava, Salts (similar to Brava), or Eakin rings, which can be applied to the skin or attached to the wafer first.
5. Reinforce the edge of the flange:
- Use exterior barrier strips, 3M Medipore tape, or pre-shaped adhesive strips to prevent sweat from lifting the flange. Some people also use cotton bag covers to absorb perspiration.
6. Consider medical adhesives for high-sweat situations:
- 3M Medical Adhesive spray can provide extra tack quickly.
- Nu-Hope Medical Adhesive offers a strong, waterproof bond but can be messy and may irritate sensitive skin.
7. Use cotton pouch covers to help absorb sweat and keep the wafer area drier.
8. Request free samples from companies like Hollister, Convatec, Coloplast, and Braun to try out different systems and accessory combinations to see what works best for you.
See full discusison