This topic is about dealing with persistent leaks from a colostomy bag, which can cause severe skin irritation and pain. Here are some helpful steps and advice to manage this situation:
1. Seek professional help immediately:
- Contact your ostomy or wound-care nurse, a hospital wound clinic, or a clinical nurse from an ostomy-supply company. Nu-Hope Labs is noted for providing excellent phone support, even if you don't use their products.
2. Protect your skin and promote healing:
- Remove the appliance and gently clean the skin around the stoma with a simple soap like unscented Dial or the original formula of Head & Shoulders shampoo. Avoid using lotions, oils, or perfumes.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow the area to air-dry. If your output is predictable, consider staying bag-free in the shower and for up to an hour afterward to let the skin breathe.
- If the skin is weepy, apply stoma powder, remove the excess, and then "crust" it by dabbing barrier wipes or spray over the powdered areas. Let this dry completely before applying a new wafer.
- A rinse with Domeboro (aluminum acetate) powder solution can help soothe soreness and redness.
3. Improve adhesion to prevent leaks:
- Ensure the skin is completely clean, dry, and free of oils before attaching a new barrier.
- Warm the adhesive side of the wafer or one-piece pouch with a hair-dryer on low and press it firmly in place for several minutes.
- Use a barrier ring, such as Eakin Cohesive, Hollister Adapt, or Coloplast Brava, to fill gaps and reinforce the seal. Add flange extenders or a belt for extra security if needed.
- Consider using barrier paste, convex wafers, or a mounting plate if the skin is uneven, the stoma is recessed, or there are dips or creases.
4. Re-evaluate your current system:
- Determine if you are using a 1-piece or 2-piece appliance, note the brand and product number, and consider switching if the adhesive is causing a reaction.
- Check if the stoma protrudes adequately, as leaks often result from inadequate protrusion or poor wafer fit.
5. Until you can see a nurse, change the appliance promptly after every leak to keep stool off the skin and prevent further injury.
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