This topic is about noticing a small amount of blood on the stoma after taking a short walk. The blood seems to be coming from the outside surface of the stoma, not from the output, and the tissue looks a bit irritated, possibly from rubbing against the pouch. The person plans to discuss this with their stoma nurse and is curious if others have experienced something similar. Here are some helpful tips and insights:
1. Check the wafer opening. It might be cut too close to the stoma. It's a good idea to leave a 1–2 mm gap and let a sealing washer or barrier ring sit snugly against the stoma to prevent friction.
2. As the pouch fills, its weight can pull downward, causing the flange or bag to rub against the stoma. To reduce this, try emptying the pouch more often or using a support belt or pouch cover to lessen the drag.
3. Small spots of blood are quite common because stoma tissue is highly vascular. Minor bleeding after activity or during appliance changes is usually harmless. However, if the bleeding is heavy or doesn't stop, it's best to seek professional advice.
4. Physical activity can raise blood pressure, which might make the stoma appear pinker or redder and cause slight surface bleeding.
5. Using barrier rings around the stoma can provide extra protection from friction caused by the wafer or pouch.
6. If you notice minor bleeding while changing a two-piece system, a light dusting of stoma powder can help the area clot and stop the bleeding.
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