The topic at hand is about the timing of an ileostomy reversal when the skin around the stoma is red and inflamed. This is a common concern for those preparing for this type of surgery, especially when dealing with sensitive skin. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others who have been in similar situations:

1. The final decision about whether to proceed with the surgery lies with your surgeon. It's important to discuss your skin condition at every pre-operative visit and again the week before the surgery. Surgeons might delay the procedure if they believe there's an increased risk or if it might take longer in the operating room.

2. Surgeons often prefer to wait until any active infections or broader health issues are resolved before scheduling a reversal. This includes completing treatments like TPN or addressing serious infections.

3. Peristomal skin irritation is often superficial, especially with loop ileostomies, which can be more challenging to seal. Mild to moderate redness doesn't always mean the surgery has to be postponed.

4. Consulting with an enterostomal (WOC) therapist before your surgery can be beneficial. They can help clear up the skin quickly and improve how your pouch fits, which can prevent further irritation.

5. Some surgeons might perform a secondary skin closure 5 to 7 days after the initial surgery if the site is still problematic. Others might partially close the stoma opening and allow the rest to heal naturally with daily packing, as it's considered a "dirty wound."

6. Personal experiences shared by others include:
- One person had their reversal with red, weeping skin, and everything healed well, with the skin returning to normal within one to two weeks.
- Another person had chronic bleeding skin up to the day of surgery. They found that allowing the skin to air out for 30 minutes during low-output times improved the condition significantly. After surgery, they packed the site daily and reported no remaining redness.

These insights can provide some comfort and guidance as you prepare for your ileostomy reversal.