This topic is about dealing with sore and itchy skin under the baseplate of an ostomy pouch, especially after years of trouble-free wear. The person sharing their experience has a colostomy that functions like an ileostomy and has recently started experiencing skin irritation. Here are some steps and advice shared by the community to help manage this issue:

1. Clean the area thoroughly and apply a small amount of Sudocrem on the raw areas. Cover with surgical dressings and Opsite Second Skin tape. Attach the pouch to the Opsite instead of directly to the irritated skin for comfort.

2. If the stoma has shrunk, re-cut the pouches to fit the new size.

3. Consider changing the bag and dressing daily if irritation is minimal, and possibly extend wear to two days if comfortable.

4. To prevent output seepage, apply Hollister Adapt paste around the stoma before fitting the pouch.

5. If experiencing whole-body itching with a rash, consider taking Piriton (chlorphenamine) and using topical cream for relief. It might be helpful to identify any allergens causing these flare-ups.

6. Re-measure the stoma at every change, as its size can vary due to factors like exercise, weight change, or post-op shrinkage.

7. Use a gentle cleansing routine with warm water and mild soap, rinse with plain warm water, and ensure the skin is completely dry, possibly using a warm hair-dryer.

8. Protect the skin by applying a light layer of non-greasy barrier cream, followed by stoma powder, and blot with skin-prep wipes. Consider using an all-over protective sheet or film before applying the wafer.

9. Consider switching from Opsite, as it can trap moisture. Allow the skin some "air time" when possible, or protect the stoma temporarily with a piece of Glad Press-n-Seal while uncovered.

10. Lubricate the pouch to minimize friction by mixing Coloplast Brava Lubricating Deodorant with baby oil and a few drops of essential oil, then coat the stoma-side opening of the pouch.

11. A two-piece system can be advantageous, as the wafer can stay in place while adding extra stoma paste between pouch swaps if seepage starts.

12. For itching, oral antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Pepcid (famotidine) were suggested by a physician for one member. Continue using Piriton if it is effective.

13. If the covered area feels fine, leaving the wafer on for 1–2 days can avoid further trauma. Let comfort guide the frequency of changes.

14. When treating open or ulcerated areas, apply a topical antibiotic or steroid as prescribed, cover with a cut-to-shape "shield" dressing, and treat that shield as normal skin when applying the wafer.

15. If the rash persists or worsens, consult with an ostomy nurse or dermatologist to rule out allergies, fungal infections, or pyoderma.