This topic is about dealing with ostomy barrier rings that are melting in a hot, likely tropical climate. The person experiencing this issue is looking for solutions to avoid having to replace their entire appliance every two days. Here are some helpful tips and insights:
- Humidity is likely the main issue rather than just the temperature.
- You can perform a simple test to determine whether heat or moisture is causing the problem:
1. Cut a barrier ring in half.
2. Place one half in an oven set to 130 °F (54 °C).
3. Place the other half in a glass of warm water.
4. Observe which environment causes the ring to break down faster. This will help you understand if heat or moisture is the main culprit.
- If possible, try using different brands or types of barrier rings to see if another option works better in the tropical climate.
- In very humid conditions, changing the barrier every other day might actually be beneficial. It can help protect your skin by reducing exposure to moisture and the risk of bacterial growth.
- Make sure to stay well-hydrated in hot climates, as dehydration can impact the condition of the skin around your stoma.