This topic is about someone dealing with a persistent sore near their stoma, which has been troubling them for a couple of months. They initially thought it might be a yeast infection and tried treating it with medications, but it didn't help. Their doctor suggested a CT scan to check for a possible fistula. The adhesive wafer used for their ostomy is making the sore worse, so they are trimming it to avoid irritation. They are looking for advice or similar experiences before their upcoming appointment with a Crohn’s specialist.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. After visiting a wound clinic and trying various treatments, the sore was identified as a staph infection. Treating this required stopping Humira, which led to a Crohn’s flare-up. The treatment was switched to Cimzia, but swelling persists. Surgery might be needed, but they hope to delay it until after the holidays.

2. A helpful tip for removing the appliance: tear off the top of an adhesive-remover packet, press the moist opening against the tape to pre-soak it, and then use the swab to lift the wafer. This can help reduce skin irritation.

3. Someone else had a similar sore that resolved after allowing it to drain and cutting the wafer to relieve pressure. They suspected a food-related blockage or an adhesive allergy and planned to consult their ostomy nurse or doctor if it happened again.

4. Many suggest consulting a WOCN (Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nurse) or a colorectal surgeon, as they have specific expertise in ostomy care. General practitioners might misinterpret skin issues and cause unnecessary concern.

5. It's important to keep the sore uncovered or relieve pressure by trimming the barrier around it to allow for drainage and healing.

6. If sores keep appearing, consider the possibility of an adhesive allergy or a partial stoma blockage.

7. Stay in touch with your healthcare team and get cultures or tests done if sores don't improve with standard treatments. Staph infections can look like other skin issues and delay proper care.

8. The technique of pre-wetting the tape with fluid from an adhesive-remover packet is recommended to minimize skin trauma during appliance changes.