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Jun 17, 2025

Improving Sore Skin Around Inverted Stoma: Tips and Experiences

This topic is about managing sore skin around an inverted or retracted stoma, which can be quite challenging. The person dealing with this issue has tried various methods to prevent leaks and irritation but continues to face difficulties. Here are some insights and advice that might help:

1. Seek Professional Help
- It's important to get professional advice. Try to arrange an appointment with a stoma or wound-ostomy nurse or a surgeon. You might need to consider extending or relocating the stoma.

2. Application Technique Fundamentals
- When changing the wafer, remove it carefully, clean the area, and use an adhesive-remover wipe. Make sure the skin is completely dry before applying anything new.
- Use a barrier spray or wipe, like Cavilon, and let it dry fully before applying the barrier ring and wafer.
- Cut the wafer hole about 1/8 inch (3 mm) larger than the stoma. The barrier ring should fit snugly up to, but not over, the stoma.
- For retracted stomas, use a convex wafer and press it with your palm for about 60 seconds to ensure a good fit.
- Use a mirror or template to check the size and alignment, and consider using a support belt to keep the appliance in place.

3. Product-Switch and Sampling
- Reach out to manufacturers for free samples of different rings and pouches. Try brands other than Eakin or Safe & Simple.
- Some suggested alternatives include Hollister two-piece drainable systems, Coloplast Brava moldable rings with a medium-strength convex barrier, and SALTS aloe-infused products.
- Warm the rings with a hair-dryer for 15–20 seconds to improve their stickiness.
- Some people find it helpful to attach the ring to the wafer first, press it firmly on a flat surface, and then apply it as one unit.

4. Adhesive Aids & Skin Protection
- Consider using spray or liquid adhesives like Mastisol or a generic adhesive spray. Let them become tacky before applying.
- Using paste around the wafer opening along with a barrier ring can improve the seal.
- For broken skin, lightly dust with stoma powder and seal with a barrier spray using the "crusting" technique.
- Flonase (fluticasone) nasal spray can help calm irritated skin for some users.
- If irritation is severe, taking a short break from the appliance to let the skin dry and heal might be beneficial.

5. Output & Wear-Time Management
- If the output is watery, empty or change the pouch more frequently. Adjusting your diet or using thickening agents might help.
- Holding your hand over the applied wafer can help the adhesive set with body heat.

6. Educational Resources
- There is a helpful YouTube video on managing a retracted stoma that demonstrates techniques like powder-spray layering and using a hair-dryer.

7. Long-Term Considerations
- If keeping the skin healthy with appliances is not possible, surgical revision to create a protruding stoma or moving it to a better site might be necessary.
See full discusison
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