This topic is about whether stoma powder can cause skin irritation around the stoma area. The person who raised the question noticed redness on the skin around their stoma when changing their appliance, even though there was no leakage. Their routine involves using stoma powder, a barrier wipe, a sticky barrier ring, and then applying the flange. They are wondering if they are using the stoma powder incorrectly and if they should stop using it.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Stoma powder is meant for short-term use to treat skin that is weepy or broken. Using it continuously on healthy skin might actually cause irritation.

2. Some people can develop an allergic reaction or sensitivity to stoma powder. These reactions might only show up after using the powder repeatedly.

3. Different brands of stoma powder have slightly different ingredients. Common ones include pectin, cellulose, gelatin, talc, cornstarch or modified cornstarch, butyl ester, butanol, ethanol, and other copolymers. Sensitivity to any of these ingredients could cause redness.

4. A suggested approach is to stop using the powder for a few weeks, unless an ostomy nurse has specifically advised its use, and see if the redness goes away.

5. If you still need to use powder, try a different brand to see if the irritation is specific to the brand you were using.