The topic at hand is about finding safe and effective ways to remove hair around a stoma, particularly under and around the wafer of a stoma pouch. The original question was whether the NoNo hair-removal device is suitable for this purpose. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:
1. Many people, including an Enterostomal Therapy nurse, advise against using the NoNo device. Some users reported severe burning, sores, and prolonged skin irritation after just one use.
2. Safer hair-removal methods include:
- Electric razors: Models with three rotating heads or a side-burn trimmer attachment are effective. It's important to clean the heads frequently as adhesive residue can clog them. Electric razors are preferred because they reduce the risk of nicks, which is important since stomas can bleed easily.
- Scissors: Small curved scissors, with tips pointed away from the stoma, are useful for trimming the closest hairs.
- Wet shaving with cartridge razors: The Gillette Mach3 is a popular choice as it tends to cause fewer nicks compared to single-blade or cut-throat razors. Some people use a brand-new disposable razor each time to minimize infection and clogging. Others repurpose cartridges that are nearly ready for disposal, as adhesive build-up can ruin new blades.
- Wax strips: Eyebrow or bikini wax strips, found with women’s shaving products, can be used. You peel, press on for about 30 seconds, then pull off. This method provides a longer hair-free interval than shaving and leaves no stubble, with no reported skin reactions on the abdomen.
3. While cut-throat razors avoid clogging, they carry the highest risk of cuts and are generally not recommended.
4. General tips for hair removal around a stoma:
- Keep hair short and smooth, as stubble trapped under the wafer can cause itching.
- Always work slowly and avoid applying pressure, as the skin around a stoma is fragile and bleeds easily.
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