OstomyLife Community

Skin Care for New Ostomates Video

Laura Cox, LPC
Ostomy Lifestyle Specialist | Shield HealthCare
09/22/14  11:46 PM PST

In this video, Laura Cox, Shield HealthCare’s Ostomy Lifestyle Specialist, discusses skin care for new ostomates.

Skin care is so important because the quality of the peristomal skin is directly correlated to the quality of the ostomy pouch seal. If the skin is weeping and raw, the seal will not be good. It is much easier to keep the skin healthy than to heal damaged skin. Here are some prevention tips to keep the skin healthy.

First, remove the pouch gently and slowly. If you would like, use adhesive remover wipes or spray to help release the adhesive from your skin.

After the pouch is off, gently clean the skin around the stoma with water or water and a mild, fragrance-free and lotion-free soap. Avoid using any sort of baby wipes or rubbing alcohol.

While cleaning your skin, be gentle. The stoma does not have any nerve endings, so you can’t feel if you’re being a little rough. The stoma also has a lot of capillaries, so some bleeding is okay, but if it is excessive make sure to call a doctor!

Once your skin is clean, dry it completely. Apply the accessories you use and then the pouching system.

After the pouching system is applied, apply heat and a bit of pressure to melt the wafer into your pores. You can keep your hands over the pouch for a minute, use a hair dryer on low or a heating pad on the newly applied pouch.

Serving Medicare Ostomates Nationwide
Dear Laura, I wear a two piece ostomy bag. I need help with concealing an ostomy bag. When I move around my shirt hikes up and the tip of the bag peeks out from under my shirt.
Tom
Hi Tom, I have a few suggestions that may help!
 
First, I'm wondering if a stealth belt would be a good option for you. This is a black belt that you can conveniently tuck your pouch...


Comments

3 Comments

  1. Nikki Kolar
    Posted September 14, 2016 at 1:12 pm PDT

    I’ve had an ileostomy since 2010. A challenge at first, but after trying differest products, I’ve got it down. Only problem is the skin around the stoma gets raw and the barrier flange by Adapt will not adhere, therefore creating leakage. I have found the adapt powders will not allow a solid seal.
    Any suggestions?
    Nikki

  2. Aimee Sharp
    Posted September 16, 2016 at 9:10 am PDT

    Hi Nikki! Thanks for commenting. Okay, you mention that the Adapt powder isn’t allowing a good seal. Have you tried other powders? There’s also a chance your skin is being upset by the irritation that can occur when you remove your pouch – do you use adhesive remover? How about a skin sealant to add an extra layer between your skin and the flange? Please see this article about skin care for more information. That is what we would recommend given what you’ve told us, along with speaking to your WOC Nurse. Please let us know if you have more questions. Thanks! -Aimee, Shield HealthCare

  3. Posted January 28, 2022 at 7:54 pm PST

    I can’t imagine having a skin barrier stuck to skin 24/7, so when _ – every 4/5 days – I change everything out, I give it at least 30 minutes to “breathe” before applying the new skin barrier. Don’t know if it really makes a difference, but I feel more comfortable.
    I also remove the pouch every 12 hrs (on average) and clean the stoma with warm water and flush the pouch thoroughly with warm/hot water. Again, it makes me feel more comfortable than just going from changeout to changeout.

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