This topic is about someone who, six weeks after having ileostomy surgery, started experiencing severe itching all over their body and redness around the area where their ostomy supplies are applied. They suspect it might be an allergic reaction to the products they are using and are looking for advice on more hypoallergenic options.

Here are some suggestions and insights shared by others:

1. Manage humidity-related irritation:
- Itching can worsen with heat and humidity.
- Try lightly spraying liquid calamine lotion on the tape edge or skin before applying the wafer, but be careful to cover the stoma as overspray can sting.
- Ensure the area is thoroughly dry; using a hair dryer on a cool or warm setting can help speed up the drying process.

2. Protect skin before applying the appliance:
- Using a generic "skin prep" wipe or spray on clean, dry skin has helped some people eliminate irritation.
- Some users find that Hollister Adapt barrier strips or extenders cause itching, and switching to just a Hollister Extended-Wear wafer without strips has been beneficial.

3. Try alternative products and brands:
- If you suspect an adhesive allergy, try eliminating one product at a time, such as adhesive-remover wipes, barrier wipes, stoma powder, barrier rings, strips, or the pouch, to identify the cause.
- Request free samples from manufacturers and test them on unaffected abdominal skin first. Brands to consider include Hollister, Coloplast, ConvaTec, Safe n Simple, and Marleen.
- If strips are causing issues, try omitting them or using non-Hollister extenders.

4. Use topical steroid or antihistamine sprays:
- After cleaning the area, spray Flonase (fluticasone nasal spray) on the itchy area, avoiding the stoma, and let it dry before applying the bag.

5. Consider oral antihistamines for itch relief:
- Over-the-counter antihistamines like Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Aerius (Desloratadine 5 mg) can help control whole-body and peristomal itching, providing relief within 5 to 15 minutes and lasting up to 24 hours.

6. General troubleshooting tips:
- Check for any leaks under the wafer, as even minor seepage can irritate the skin.
- Keep the skin clean and completely dry, and use minimal accessory products.
- Consult an ostomy nurse for a hands-on assessment.

7. Additional resources:
- The United Ostomy Association of America offers forums, live webinars, and archived presentations at www.UOAA.com.
- The OstoAI search tool, available with site membership, can provide more user experiences.