This topic is about finding a gentler barrier ring or alternative for someone experiencing skin irritation from using Hollister CeraRing barrier rings around their stoma. The person has a colostomy and is looking for solutions to prevent the redness and irritation that occurs in the shape of the ring after each change. Here are some suggestions and insights shared by others:

- The irritation occurs without any stool leakage, and the person uses skin-prep wipes regularly. The irritation wasn't present when no ring was used during home-health care.
- They are looking for barrier rings or paste suitable for very sensitive skin and are considering trying Eakin rings, Coloplast options, and Salts products.
- They have already lost 29 pounds and aim to be in good shape for a possible reversal in September or October.

Here are some helpful tips and advice:

1. Try different manufacturers' rings as formulas vary:
- Eakin Cohesive rings (ConvaTec)
- Salts rings with aloe (Salts Healthcare)
- Coloplast Brava barrier rings, which some find last longer than CeraRings and can be placed on top of the wafer
- Request free samples from companies like Hollister, Coloplast, ConvaTec, Salts, and Safe n’ Simple to test skin reactions before committing.

2. Consider adding or changing skin-protection products:
- Use 3M Cavilon No-Sting Barrier Film, optionally dusted with a little stoma powder, before applying the appliance.
- Try Salts Barrier Film spray/wipe, which contains aloe.
- Look into zinc-containing Coloplast baseplate/bag options, as zinc has helped with healing for some.

3. Use paste plus ring:
- Spread ostomy paste directly on the skin, then apply the ring. Many people report no leaks and happier skin with this "paste-then-ring" method.

4. Explore alternative adhesives/barriers for very reactive skin:
- Use wide medical adhesive tape topped with double-sided carpet tape.
- Try "Sookwang" wide double-sided craft tape from Korea.
- Consider prosthetic glues like Probond, which are hypoallergenic and can be painted on the wafer as a skin-safe barrier layer.

5. DIY ring idea:
- Purchase 4 × 4-inch adhesive sheets made from the same material as a wafer that does not irritate your skin, then cut custom rings (an ostomy-nurse trick).

6. Technique tweak for Brava or similar rings:
- Cut a ring in half, roll each half into a thin "rope," and place/overlap the segments only where output tends to flow. The rings swell there, adding protection while reducing overall skin contact.

7. Keep a log or photo record when testing each product, as skin tolerance is highly individual and often requires systematic trial and error.