The topic at hand is about finding solutions for healing and securing severely irritated skin around a stoma, especially after a hernia or prolapse repair. The person is dealing with bleeding, ulcerated skin that might be infected with candida, and is having trouble getting anything to stick. They are considering using silicone gel sheets and are curious about using a cheaper silicone product from a hardware store. Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Avoid using hardware-store or construction-grade "100% silicone" near a stoma. These products are not medical grade, have not been tested for safety on skin, may contain harmful substances, and can cause serious damage to tissue.

2. If you want to try silicone, use only medical-grade products like Cica-Care gel sheets. However, be aware that some people may have adverse reactions:
- Test a small piece on healthy skin on your abdomen for a couple of days first.
- Be alert for any intense itching, burning, or a "crawling" sensation, and stop using it immediately if you notice any reaction.

3. Consider alternative skin-protective barriers:
- 3M Cavilon Advanced Skin Protectant, which is a liquid polymer.
- Medline Marathon Liquid Skin Protectant.
- Silicone-based ostomy products from Trio Ostomy, such as their Aloe-infused silicone range. Keep in mind that some users have reported severe burns with silicone, so individual reactions can vary.

4. If you suspect a candida infection (look for a white ring and extreme itching), consult a stoma nurse or physician as soon as possible. In the meantime, some self-care tips that others have found helpful include:
- Lightly dusting athlete’s-foot antifungal powder around the stoma, followed by a little stoma powder.
- Avoiding any products that contain alcohol, as they can worsen broken skin.
- Increasing the frequency of appliance changes until the skin condition improves.
- You can also refer to the Coloplast "Irritated & Sore Skin" guide for more information.