This topic is about dealing with the challenge of preventing liquid leaks from an ostomy pouch, which can sometimes seep through and soil clothing. Here are some helpful tips and insights to manage this issue:
1. Eliminate causes of seepage under the wafer:
- Avoid using creams, ointments, or oily products on the skin. Instead, clean with plain water and stoma-specific barrier wipes.
- Ensure the skin is completely dry before applying a new appliance.
- Use a barrier ring to fill in any uneven areas and hold the wafer firmly against the abdomen for about 30 seconds to secure the seal.
- Make sure the stoma protrudes at least ¾ inch (approximately 2 cm), as a flush or retracted stoma can often cause leaks.
- Check for any scars, dips, or creases that might break the seal.
2. Ensure the opening is cut precisely:
- Cut the wafer as close to the stoma as possible. If you notice excess "turtlenecking," it might mean the opening is too large.
- Hollister offers oval cutting templates online to help match non-round stomas, which can be especially useful for loop colostomies.
3. Prevent accidental punctures:
- Take your time when attaching the pouch to avoid nicking the barrier or bag with scissors or fingernails.
4. Thicken output if it is very watery:
- Consider eating a few marshmallows daily, limiting large amounts of raw fruits and vegetables, and adjusting your diet to produce thicker stool.
5. Add accessory support:
- Wearing an ostomy belt along with the wafer or barrier ring can provide extra security, which is particularly useful during chemotherapy-related leaks.
6. Product suggestions:
- Hollister lubricating deodorant can be applied to the upper part of the pouch, and a small amount of peroxide to the lower part, to ease emptying and reduce odor.
- Ostoform FlowAssist technology offers a FlowAssist 2-piece pouching system and a FlowAssist barrier ring designed to channel liquid output away from the skin.
7. Appliance considerations:
- Consider whether a 1- or 2-piece system suits you better, as some users find fewer leaks with a different configuration.
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