When dealing with an inverted or flush stoma, it can be quite challenging to get a good seal with your ostomy appliance. This is because the stoma sits below the skin level, making it difficult for the wafer, or skin barrier, to adhere properly. This can lead to frustrating leakage issues. Here are some helpful tips to improve the seal and make your experience more comfortable:
1. When applying the wafer, try tensing your abdominal muscles and press firmly around the stoma. This can help the wafer stick better initially and might even extend the wear time by a day or two.
2. Be cautious with soap on the skin around your stoma. If you do use soap, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly. Any leftover soap can weaken the adhesive on the wafer.
3. Consider using a flat, moldable barrier or seal beneath the wafer. This can help build up the area around the stoma and protect your skin. A popular choice is the Eakin Cohesive Seal, but there are other similar products from different brands that might work for you.
4. Before applying the wafer, warm it up with a hair-dryer. The heat will soften the adhesive, allowing it to stick and mold better to the contours of your skin, especially if your stoma is flush or uneven.
5. You might also want to try wearing an ostomy belt along with the wafer. This can help maintain constant pressure and improve the security of the seal.
These tips can help you manage an inverted or flush stoma more effectively, reducing leaks and increasing comfort.
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