Whether you have recently undergone ostomy surgery or have been living with one for a few years, skin complications are more common than you think. According to quantitative data , up to 80% of the total population of people with ostomies will experience peristomal dermatitis. So the only thing that is certain is that you are not alone in this!
The health of the skin surrounding the opening created in the abdomen is important for a variety of reasons: Let's start with the fact that healthy peristomal skin favors the attachment of the pouch and its best possible application. Thus, the good and secure feeling of the pouch offers freedom of movement and flexibility in your daily activities. Furthermore, avoiding irritation, itching, redness and pain that can cause a possible skin complication contributes to feeling as well-being as possible!
Prevention of Skin Complications
To reduce the risk of complications of the peristomal skin, the best thing you can do is to take care of good hygiene of the area. You can consult our article to learn the proper way to care for your stoma and find answers to the 10 most common questions we receive regarding it! Keep in mind that slight redness on your skin when changing the bag is normal. However, if this does not subside after care, you should contact a doctor for appropriate guidance.
What Causes Peristomal Skin Complications?
Before we examine the other causes that lead to such complications, we should talk about the possibility of leakage . A leak can occur due to: postoperative complications in the shape of the stoma, such as retraction or prolapse . It can also be due to irregularities in the peristomal skin (e.g. skin folds, wrinkles) or even laxity in the area. In these cases, we have poor application of the bag, resulting in annoying leaks.
When stools, and especially urine, come into contact with the skin, their pH irritates the area, causing pain, rash, and a decrease in the adhesion of the ostomy material! In this way, a vicious cycle is created with more and more leaks... According to research, 76% of people with an ostomy will experience leaks at some point in their lives!
Every stoma is unique and can go through different stages and changes, just like we do. Even if you haven’t had a problem with leakage in the past, the shape of your stoma or your body may have gradually changed. So, over time, these changes can affect the fit of your pouch, causing leakage.
The US National Institutes of Health cites the following as other causes of skin complications :
- The adhesive may be too strong , causing irritation when removing the bag, or not sticky enough, creating leaks.
- The glue may contain certain irritating chemicals or allergenic substances .
- You may have cut the base you are using to the wrong size and therefore it does not fit properly.
- If you have hair in your belly area, it can cause inflammation and/or infection in the peristomal skin . You should definitely shave the area in these cases.
- Heat, humidity and the constant covering of the skin by the pouch can cause a fungal skin infection. If you exercise and sweat, it is a good idea to keep the peristomal area as dry as possible. Skin fungus is usually treated with topical treatment.
- Some underlying diseases such asCrohn 's disease anduk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Ulcerative colitis causes problems with the stoma. Such skin complications are pyoderma gangrenosum and fistula and require immediate medical attention.
Tips for Relief and Coping
1. Apply Askina Barrier Film , suitable for irritated or damaged skin. This Protective Spray dries in 30'' after application and protects your skin for 48-72 hours.
2. If you have identified a leak that is not an isolated incident, we suggest trying re-sizing the base of the pouch. Cut-to-Fit ostomy materials offer flexibility and room to experiment until you find the right size for you!
Tip! For even more security, use a belt that will hold the bag better.
3. An alternative way to regulate leaks is to use a Protective Paste, ideal for cases where the skin around the stoma is not smooth, making it difficult to place the bag.
4. In the same context, we also recommend ostomy materials in a Two-Piece System . By using this, the base remains in the stoma for a few days and you only change the bag when needed. This way, you do not further irritate your already irritated skin with constant changes.
5. Choose a Convex base made of smooth and soft material for maximum fit and flexibility!
6. Be careful when changing the bag to avoid damaging your skin. If you notice any adhesive residue, try using Bbraun's Residue Removal Spray . This will leave the surface clean for the new bag to be applied.
In summary, it is important to remember that inflammatory or infectious conditions affecting the skin around a stoma are quite common , causing discomfort and worsening of the patient's condition. However, recognizing the symptoms and early diagnosis are the first steps to properly treating the condition. We remain by your side, at every stage where you may need support. Our mission, improving your quality of life!