I was just curious to see if anyone else has issues with ostomy adhesion because of cold, dry weather. I had my surgery one year ago yesterday, this is my first transition into winter and I am having some trouble. I honestly didn't have too much trouble with the warmer weather, my best guess is that my skin under the wafer is so incredibly dry that it doesn't stick well. Does anyone have any tips to help me out?
Thanks,
Sasquatch
Sasquatch,
I was living in Alaska when I had my ileostomy surgery and never really had an issue. If you don't use a skin prep or barrier, you might try that. Also, what type of pouch brand and system do you use?
Bain
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I'm using a Hollister, 2 pc. extended wear product, 15603 wafer, 18183 pouch. I typically don't use a prep, but have tried barrier sprays, they don't seem to help a whole lot. I'm kicking around the idea of going to see my WOCN soon, I haven't been in there since about a month after my surgery. My water intake has gone down some since the weather has cooled off, maybe some of the dry skin is related to that.
Very possible. We do have to keep hydrated. But I've never heard of dry skin causing an issue with the wafer sticking. It's probably a good idea to take. Maybe try a different brand of wafer and pouch? You can call Convatec or the other ostomy companies and ask for free samples. Just a thought.
Bain
Hi, my name is Patty. I'm a little bit over a year with my ostomy. This is my second winter. Part of it was spent in Southern California, part of it was spent in Spokane, Washington. I think the best thing for me, and this was through my wound care nurse (she was a specialist that they sent me to), is if you apply a smaller amount of the paste to your actual skin, hit it with the blow dryer on low for 30 seconds, make sure you cover your ostomy when you do that, and then put on your contraption bag system thing, whatever you want to call it. At first, I thought the more paste you put on it, the better it would work, but in fact, it's the opposite. A thin amount, almost the thickness of a dime, just put it around the perimeter. I found that that helps the most. I have issues with my skin and where my ostomy is actually placed with adhesion, and I have found that this technique will last me about 5 days...this is good for me. I hope this helps. Good luck to you and yeah, ostomy LOL. What are you going to do, right?
You may need to change to a different flange. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, they stop working. I use a different flange in summer as opposed to winter.
I too have been having skin issues lately, Sasquatch. My initial surgery was 4 1/2 years ago. I also use, and have always used, the Hollister 2 pc. My skin under the wafer literally is flaking off (think bad sunburn as a kid and your sister peeling the dead skin off). A lot of itching and I develop skin ulcers that are hard to clear up. No skin prep, just the putty ring and the wafer. I use a lot of the Hollister skin powder (can't remember the name) on the broken skin areas.
One thing I've noticed is that my skin actually gets worse in the summer - I believe from all the sweating.
I need to add: I don't have a problem with the wafer not sticking and causing leaks. It just comes off very easily due to the flaking skin. Have to be careful with the "blisters" when removing - painful.
Could just be that your pouch/flange is stored at a slightly colder temperature than in summer. Warm it on a radiator or with the hairdryer before you attach it so that the adhesive is starting to activate at about the same temperature as your skin as soon as they connect. Good luck.
Hi, I'm Marsha, and I have had my ileostomy for more than 50 years. If there was a problem to be had, I must have had it over the years. I'm also resistant to change (changing types of pouching systems) but have been happy with Convatec....and now Convatec's "moldable" wafer 2-piece system.
I too have very dry skin, and during the winter I "flake" all over, unless I use a moisturizer. But it's never affected the skin under the wafer. I ALWAYS use skin prep....Smith and Nephew....happen to like the feel of the "sting" version, rather than the "non-sting". I'm very sensitive to soap, and stopped using it under the wafer years and years ago. I wash with very hot water, and then very cold water (to close the pores) and then use the skin prep. Next is stoma adhesive powder. That seems to do it for me. Make sure you stay well hydrated, even in winter, since that helps with the output and general digestive health. Sometimes what works well just stops working....so it's really necessary to make some changes....just to check it out. Don't put moisturizer under the wafer because that will impair adhesion. Good luck. Marsha
Hi Sasquatch. I also use the Hollister 2-piece system. However, I don't care for the wafer. Instead, I've had no issues changing as follows: wash the area (not the stoma) with a lightly wet/soaped paper towel (I prefer Bounty). Pat dry. Wipe the area with Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film. Apply CardinalHealth Essentials Protective Powder. Pat with the Cavilon to help make the powder pasty. Repeat. Apply ConvaTec Stomahesive liberally but not excessively. Apply the 2-piece Hollister system. Place your hand over the hard edge of the bag and blowdry with a hairdryer. Not too hot. Do this for 5 minutes. Voila! I'm ok in any weather for a good 5 days. Hopefully this will work for you, too...
