Desperate for Help with Incurable Stoma Rash - Need Alternatives to Prednisone!

I have 2 suggestions. I had a permanent ileostomy on October 19 of last year and had several yeast infections, so I am familiar with your issue. Get a prescription for: FLUCONAZOLE 200 mg - 10 day supply and take them all. About the 7th day, things will look much better and by the 10th, you will not have any problems. I would also suggest that every time you change your bag, put stomahesive protective powder around the stoma. I hope this helps!!

Have you seen an ostomy nurse? I have also talked to one, and if you don't change your bag every 3 or 4 days (this is always recommended), this may contribute to your problem. It seems on sites with ostomy issues, men keep them on forever (in my opinion) and cannot imagine having the same one on for a week!!! Just a suggestion, not to mention the odor that would have to be associated with keeping a bag on that long, even using STOP or an odor eliminator.

I didn't read all the replies as I'm at work and kinda busy, but I didn't want it to slip my mind, so pardon me if what I write has already been stated. What is your diet like? I have had issues with yeast as well, although thankfully for me fluconazole helps tremendously. What I also found very helpful was to eliminate as many yeast-friendly foods/beverages from my diet as possible. Basically, anything with sugars or starches that break down into sugars will aggravate any yeast issues. There are several good books on this topic (one that helped me escapes my mind right now, sorry). I don't know if you discussed dietary changes with your doc/docs, but if you haven't, it is definitely worthwhile. Hope you find some relief, I know how itchy and miserable it can make things.

I really have been doing well with no yeast infections for some time, and I attribute that to having my incision finally healing!! It took a year!! As for diet, I have to be VERY careful and eat small meals, and it seems I cannot or should not go beyond 4 hours or I get a leak, as my stoma seems to want to "be fed!" That happened to me yesterday as I got too busy doing things, and sure enough, once I ate (which was about 5 or more hours), shortly thereafter, the leak!

You are right about sugars!! I can, however, eat some in very small portions--like a small, and I mean small, piece of pumpkin pie, but forget ANY CARBONATED DRINKS!! I also overdid it with wine, drinking 2 glasses, and that was a disaster, but yet no problems with a beer with pizza!! I may try reintroducing a glass of wine and see if I can do it and never again entertain 2 glasses!!

I also received from the hospital a book on ostomy information and foods I could and should not eat. I know for sure LOW FIBER, or I would end up with problems. I am also diabetic, so sugar will always be an issue, but as I said, I am doing quite well.

Have you seen an ostomy nurse? It MIGHT be a good idea to tell her about your issues, especially with prednisone, and see what she has to offer. Wish you lots of luck.

Oh BTW, when you get a bag from a supplier, ask for the one with the strongest adhesive to avoid leaks. I tried one, though something about Newskin, which I tell you, you could hardly see, let alone take off, so that was not going to be one I would ever use again.

Good luck!!

Hello,
I have a permanent ileostomy since 2010 and have many skin problems.
I have had 2 stoma revisions, leakage problems and also allergies to most of the glues and tapes out there.
I found a product from Coloplast, the number is 3210 in the Brava series.
I use it under the wafer, it helps my skin heal and it even absorbs the leakage without burning my skin.
I don't know where you're writing from but you can call Coloplast and have them send you samples,
they are very good at explaining how to use their products.

Good luck to you!

I had my colostomy about 6-1/2 years ago. After about three years, I ran into a similar problem with rash, weeping from the rash, and odor. My doctor and ostomy nurse thought it was caused by yeast, and I tried a bunch of stuff, i.e., nystatin powders, other prescriptions, and ostomy solutions that they recommended. I then happened to mention the problem to my dermatologist during a regular annual visit. He thought that it might be a more allergic condition. So I tried a couple of other suppliers, and the problem continued. I returned to the dermatologist; he suggested a prescription of Vanos...WOW...I began to use it on the rash, and oh, what a difference it made. To this day, I use Vanos around the outside wafer area every time I change, and I have not had a recurrence...unless I went out of town and forgot to bring it, the next thing I knew the rash, redness, odor, and weeping from the rash started all over. Hope this might be your solution.

I know you said you've tried everything, but I had that once. I can't remember the name of the powder, but ask the pharmacist for a foot powder for a yeast infection. I know it was a foot powder and it worked. Good luck. I'd like to see you get off that Prednisone for sure. I've had my ileostomy for 22 years. Do you have several hospitals in your area? Sometimes, the ostomy nurse at different facilities knows things others don't know.

One other thought comes to mind, that is more common for women, but may trigger something in your brain. Many women are plagued with feminine yeast infections. I know with my body, if I eat too much sugar, or drink beer, I get an instant yeast infection. Perhaps keeping track of your diet, foot and liquids and eliminating one thing at a time for a few days may make a difference. Don't give up. Although we are all people, each body has certain little quirks, as I'm sure you know. Good luck and hang in there.

Hi Vic,
I have had an ileostomy since 1965, have diabetes, a heart stent. I know how you feel. When I got sores under my (wafer), I was told to use Milk of Magnesia. Put a thin layer on before replacing your wafer. Make sure you fan it so it is dry. Then put your wafer on. It may give you a day or two, but if it comes loose, repeat the steps. It worked for me. Good luck!
Tara

Hi, I had my colostomy in 2001 and had a real rough time with my skin. My stoma nurse tried everything: powders, creams. She said that I was her toughest patient. I was using Convex two-piece systems. We ended up using a Coloplast 3210 wafer between the Convex wafer and my skin. It works great!!!!! No more skin problems!! Just match up the two wafers, mark
the top on the two wafers, cut the hole in the 2-piece system, then trace that one to the Coloplast wafer, then remove the backing from the two-piece and stick it to the non-sticky side of the Coloplast wafer. I've had no skin problems for 9 years. Best of luck.

I have the same type of problem. I was tested for yeast and it came back negative. Do you have a good ostomy/dermatologist nurse or PA? I was finally diagnosed with psoriasis. It looks really red and oozy, painful, and itchy. Then it goes through a cycle where it looks like it will heal, only to repeat the pattern. I have Crohn's disease. I wonder if it is Crohn's disease also affecting the skin. I'm sorry to relate that it gets better and continues the cycle. The skin is better when I take the time to take it completely off and air it out a little in the shower. I have a special drain just in case. I also try to use very gentle soaps like baby wash. Pat dry lightly and dry with a hairdryer to make sure the skin is nice and dry before adhering the appliance. I have also used sparingly a spray called Kenalog, a steroid (need a script), and one called Clobetasol when it gets overly painful. This skin issue has been going on for about twenty years now. I'm 60 in a few days and had a coostomy at 23. What else can I say? Have they tested you for allergies to the products? Put a piece of a wafer to your back area and see if after 48 hours you develop a rash. That's if you can afford to use one. It could be an allergy. I know a woman named Virginia Hanchett. She is a PA dermatology/ostomy expert at Strong Dermatology in Rochester, NY. Perhaps she could lead you in the right direction. All the best. I know it is hard dealing with all these issues, but we must try to stay positive. We could have been born in a third world country, and what would our option be then? Ann

I know that this is rather late but I figured I would post to it anyway.
There is a one pill solution to just about any yeast infection you can get. It is called Diflucan and only available by prescription, but I swear by it.

I am so sorry to read the problem with yeast. Whenever I got a yeast infection, which happened whenever I was on antibiotics, I applied natural live yogurt to the area affected (which was the female genitalia). It was immediately soothing and killed off the yeast by altering the pH of the skin. Maybe, when changing your bag and cleaning the skin and stoma, slather on live (it must be live) yogurt. Let it sit on the skin as long as possible before drying it off. Also, take orally probiotics and eat live yogurt. I wish you good luck.

Skin irritation since day one with my ostomy. Ugh.

Stoma powder is great for small issues. Nystatin and baby rash barriers with the use of stoma paste work miracles. I use Butt Paste myself on the diaper rash products. It's the zinc that heals along with the crusting technique.

1. Clean area using plain water on a warm cloth.

2. Dab on your choice of diaper rash barrier (Butt Paste is my go-to for even my face due to meds from migraines.) Let this sit on for as long as possible in the air. (Trick to help output during changes is eat 4 to 6 regular-size marshmallows about 10 to 15 minutes before flange change - It works!).

3. Take off as much but leaving a small film of the diaper rash formula on the treatment area.

4. Apply Nystatin (generic Nystop) like you would stoma powder. Then use the crusting technique with a barrier wipe. Powder again, crust again. Two layers needed with drying using a blow dryer in between.

5. Barrier paste of your choice. I used Convatec for the no-burn properties but Adapt or any other is fine. Cover gently with paste over your crusted area to form a decent barrier from your skin/wound care.

6. Use a stoma ring type barrier of choice over this area around the stoma. You're done unless you want to add another skin barrier that comes in those 4x4 type skin barrier. I use a little paste on my flange before attaching to that barrier.

7. Now that's it. Immediate relief. You now have skin protection and sore protection all included. You'll see a huge difference asap.

The trauma of the burn gets to me physically and mentally. Something that is causing me to get up and even walk to gain strength. After this technique, you'll get a full night's sleep and many days of wear time. Painkillers not even needed until the next change. I wait like my doctor said until I feel an itch. I'm much better after one application vs stoma powder crusting since the hospital and home. Newly learned technique that was a true miracle.

That burning sensation can ruin your life and mentally wear you down as it hurts to no end.

Hope this helps. I wear a two-piece Sensura Mio system with convex. Flat stoma. High loose output. Two-piece because of bag changing capabilities without stressing the irritated skin trying to heal.

Good luck and best wishes to all, Jen

Vicbear, hi. I would say try it's a powder and you need a prescription from your doctor. It's called Nystatin 100,000,000 mg. Don't put a lot, wafer will come loose. Ok, hope this helps Victoria.

Hi everyone, I'm sorry I didn't read Renjen's explanation. Sorry. Hope everyone is doing very well. Sincerely, Victoria New Lifev.

I've had my ileostomy for over 9 years and I get a very bad weepy rash under the faceplate when I use Coloplast products. The problem is Coloplast products are the only ones I really like!! So at the recommendation of an Ostomy nurse, I purchased Coloplast Brava protective sheets. I cut a hole in the center the size of my stoma and stick the sheet directly on my skin. Apparently I'm not allergic to the adhesive on these sheets. I then use a skin barrier wipe on the sheet and continue with the rest of my appliance. What a difference. No more rash and very few leaks. I also wear a "Stealth Belt" 24/7