This topic is about dealing with red, bleeding skin and small cuts around the stoma, particularly under the wafer. The person experiencing this issue is looking for ways to treat the skin without leaving the stoma uncovered. Here are some helpful tips and advice:

1. Allow the skin some "air time" without a pouch:
- Spend a few hours sitting or lying down with the appliance off. Protect your clothes and furniture by placing plastic shopping bags, towels, paper towels, or tissues inside loose pajama bottoms.
- Some people even sleep this way overnight to help the skin dry out.

2. Cleanse gently and control bleeding:
- Pat the area with warm water or diluted peroxide. Briefly apply cold water or an ice pack to slow down any bleeding.
- A hand-out from the American College of Surgeons on stoma bleeding can be a useful reference.

3. Use the "crusting" technique for wet, irritated skin:
- Clean and dry the skin, then dust it with stoma powder. Dab a no-sting barrier wipe or pad over the powder, let it dry for 10-15 seconds, and then apply the pouch.
- Some people repeat the powder and barrier step to build a protective crust.

4. Use barrier tapes to reduce wafer friction:
- Cut a strip of Opsite Flexifix or Tegaderm transparent film and place it on the skin where the wafer edge rubs. Apply the wafer over the film to create a friction-free surface.

5. Consider protective products and medicated powders:
- Zinc oxide ointment can soothe and protect raw skin.
- Special aloe-vera-based ostomy powder with Cavilon spray, followed by wafer-extension strips or round moldable cushioned rings, can help seal off sore spots. Free samples are available from suppliers like Coloplast.
- If there is itching or a persistent rash, check for a yeast infection. Doctors may prescribe antifungal powder to be applied before the wafer.

6. Adjust the wafer fitting:
- Cut the wafer opening slightly lower so the appliance sits higher on the abdomen, leaving the injured area outside the hole for treatment.
- Widen the hole with a finger after applying paste or ring to avoid pressure on the sore skin.

7. Choose the right appliance and manage wear time:
- Some users find that Hollister two-piece systems last 3-4 days and leak less than Coloplast one-piece systems, which may "blow out" sooner in hot, sweaty conditions.