This topic is about managing colostomy leaks and dealing with sore skin around the stoma. If you're experiencing these issues, here are some helpful tips and insights from others who have faced similar challenges:

1. Check the fit of your appliance regularly, as the size of your stoma can change over time. Many people have found that switching to a smaller wafer opening helped stop leaks once their stoma had shrunk.

2. Consider trying different products that have worked for others:
- A Hollister 2-piece system with Coloplast Brava wax (moldable) rings.
- Switching to a Hollister 2-piece system if a Coloplast 1-piece system isn't adhering well.
- Using Salts Healthcare bags with calamine lotion, which dries to a chalky finish and protects irritated skin.

3. Use barrier rings or extenders to improve the seal and fill in any uneven areas. Options like Coloplast Brava rings, moldable 2-inch barrier rings, and generic "barrier extenders" have been effective for many.

4. If the area around your stoma is uneven or dips, consider using a convex barrier instead of a flat one. This can be simpler than using multiple accessories.

5. For skin preparation:
- Make sure the skin around your stoma is completely clean and dry before applying any products.
- Avoid soaps with lotions, fragrances, or colors. Cetaphil bar soap is recommended.
- Use a spray like 3M Cavilon barrier film, let it dry, and then apply the wafer or ring.

6. When applying your appliance:
- Warm the wafer by holding it against your abdomen or using a hair dryer before placing it.
- Press the wafer firmly with warm hands and run gloved fingers around the stoma edge to secure the seal.
- For moldable rings, cut through one side, stretch it to fit, start placing it at the bottom of the stoma, and work upward, gently pushing it into the skin.

7. Review additional factors that might be contributing to leaks, such as stoma protrusion or recession, stool consistency, the time between appliance changes, wafer adhesion quality, and body position (lying on your back for extended periods can promote leaks for some).

8. Be prepared for some trial and error. Sharing details about your current appliance, accessories, and stoma profile can help others provide more targeted suggestions.