This topic is about dealing with bleeding around the base of a stoma, which can be concerning. The bleeding is described as similar to a cut on the hand—heavy at first but then stopping. The person experiencing this has already been adjusting their wafer to fit changes in their body, like weight gain or swelling, and understands that minor bleeding can occur during cleaning. However, the recent increase in bleeding is worrying. A CT scan has ruled out clots, twists, or other internal issues, except for existing cancer. Bowel function remains normal. They are seeking advice on whether a different appliance or technique might help prevent the bleeding.

Here are some helpful suggestions and insights shared by others:

1. Pay attention to the hole size:
- Cutting the wafer opening too tightly can cause the stoma to bleed. It's safer to cut it slightly larger.
- After cutting, check for any sharp edges that might injure the tissue.

2. Use barrier products to cushion the stoma:
- Apply a moldable barrier ring around the stoma before placing the wafer. Rolling the ring's edge slightly into the wafer opening can create a soft buffer.
- Stoma paste can be applied to the wafer’s hole. When pressed on, it seals gaps and reduces friction.
- If using paste alone, leave a small gap between the stoma and wafer, then fill it with paste.

3. Combine a ring and paste for a better seal:
- Place the ring against the skin and paste on the wafer. This setup can prevent output from reaching the skin, allowing bleeding areas to heal.

4. Evaluate the hardness of the product:
- Some barriers have stiff edges that can scrape the skin. Switching to a softer brand or style might help.

5. Try specialized collars:
- A soft stoma collar, like the one from Salts Healthcare, can offer added comfort and protection. Samples can be requested.

6. Consider custom solutions:
- Custom or 3-D printed baseplates might provide a perfect fit for stable stomas, though they can be costly and time-consuming to produce.

7. Check medications:
- Cancer drugs or blood thinners might increase bleeding. It's important to discuss any such medications with the medical team.

8. Learn from personal experiences:
- Some people found that bleeding stopped when they stopped cutting the hole so snugly or after a prolapse repair.
- Others routinely leave room around the stoma and use a ring of paste without issues.

9. Consider manufacturers and brands:
- Salts Healthcare offers the Dermacol collar.
- Hollister, Coloplast, and ConvaTec are mentioned as potential providers of custom-printed barriers in the future.