This topic is about dealing with persistent raw skin around the stoma, specifically in areas that are not covered by the barrier ring. The person sharing their experience has tried several methods to heal the skin, with varying degrees of success. Here are some helpful tips and insights they gathered along the way:

1. Barrier Ring Modifications:
- Warm the barrier rings in your hands or with a hairdryer to make them more flexible and stretch them for wider coverage.
- Cut a second barrier ring into small sections and place an extra piece over the raw area. You can store and reuse the remaining pieces for months.
- Consider using a larger size of moldable rings and stretch them outward to cover the sore area, while keeping the inner edge snug. Be aware that stretching might thin the ring and reduce wear time.

2. Alternate Skin Covers and Dressings:
- Use Tegaderm transparent film over the irritated spot before applying the wafer. It's available at places like Walmart and Walgreens, or online.
- Salts Healthcare aloe-infused flange extenders, barrier rings, and pouches are highly recommended for their soothing properties and good adhesion without leaving residue. The extenders also serve as frame strips that last longer than other brands.

3. Topical Treatments for Raw or Fungal-Looking Skin:
- Apply Corona Veterinary Ointment, which is lanolin-based, at home with some air exposure between bag changes.
- Mix Nystatin powder (a prescription is needed) with Desitin to create a protective paste.
- Use Dom-Boro (Domeboro) soaks by dissolving the powder in warm water, soaking paper-towel strips, and laying them around the stoma for a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect.

4. Barrier Paste/Strip Guidance:
- Use strip paste (flat barrier strips, not tube paste) to even out skin irregularities by thinning and flattening it.
- For small raw areas, try the traditional “crusting” technique: alternate layers of stoma powder and skin-prep barrier about 10 times until the surface looks like a “sugar donut,” then apply the wafer.

5. General Tips:
- Keep barrier components as close to the stoma as possible to minimize exposed skin.
- Unopened extra Hollister rings can be measured, cut, or donated.
- If home measures are not resolving skin issues, contact a WOCN/ostomy nurse promptly. They can quickly arrange for samples and product alternatives.