This topic is all about taking care of the skin around a stoma, especially if it's irritated or broken. Here’s a simple routine to help clean, soothe, and protect that sensitive area:

1. Start by removing your appliance and washing the area with antibacterial soap, like Dial.
2. While the skin and stoma are still soapy, gently clean around the stoma with a Q-tip. This helps lift away any remaining stool without causing extra pain.
3. Make sure to dry the skin thoroughly. You can let it air-dry or use a blow-dryer on a cool setting.
4. Use a Q-tip to apply Dr. Smith’s Rash Cream directly to the irritated or broken skin. This cream forms a protective barrier and promotes healing by the next change. It also works well with ostomy paste.
5. Finally, re-apply your colostomy appliance as you normally would.

Here are some helpful tips and insights:

- Keep essential supplies, like Dr. Smith’s Rash Cream, on hand because skin issues can pop up unexpectedly.
- Consider using a plastic “stoma rinse cup” from the manufacturer. Fill it halfway with warm water and place it over the stoma, gently swishing to clean thoroughly before applying any barrier sprays or skin-prep products.
- Tincture of benzoin can be dabbed around the stoma to help with irritation and extend the wear-time of your wafer. Many people in the U.S. have found this to be effective.