Tips for Peristomal Skin Care

Having a peristomal (around the stoma) skin complication is one of the most common reasons people living with a stoma seek medical attention. Urine and feces can be irritating to the skin. That's why the right skin barrier or adhesive is essential in preventing peristomal skin damage. If you believe you have a peristomal skin complication, contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Keeping the peristomal skin intact is very important. Many complications can be avoided by following simple precautions:

Tips for bathing and showering

• When you take a bath or shower, the choice of whether or not to wear the bag is entirely up to you.
• Avoid moisturizing and oil-based cleansers that can compromise the seal of the skin barrier.
• Soap and water do not enter the stoma and cannot damage it.
• Choose the skin barrier that best suits your needs
• To keep the peristomal skin intact it is important that the skin barrier adapts perfectly to the contours of the stoma. When choosing the collection system, pay attention that the effluents, the primary cause of irritation, do not come into contact with the skin.
• Your stoma caregiver will teach you how to measure your stoma with the ostomy sizer to help you choose the type of cut, pre-cut or moldable type . Stoma size may vary in the 10 weeks following surgery, so you may need to change delivery systems. Changes in abdominal conformation due to pregnancy, physical activity, weight changes or particular illnesses can also lead to a review of the choice of collection system.

Tips for changing the collection system

• When you change the bag, make sure you have everything you need on hand. Replace the plate before the adhesive is fully eroded, reducing the risk of leaks. If in any doubt, ask your healthcare professional for advice. Every time you replace the skin barrier or pouch, get used to monitoring the condition of the peristomal skin. Redness, swelling or inflammation may indicate the onset of skin changes. In these cases, it is important to consult with your stoma nurse.
• Never tear the skin barrier away from the skin. Plaque should be removed gently, starting at one corner. To facilitate the removal process you can use the adhesive remover spray or wipes that cleanse the skin and prepare it for the application of the new skin barrier.
• Make sure the skin around the stoma is completely dry before applying the clean delivery system. This will help keep it tight and reduce the risk of getting candidiasis (a fungal infection).
• Good skin hygiene, which includes the use of accessories such as protective film can help keep the skin intact.
• In hot and humid places, it is advisable to use a pouch with a drape covering the skin side. That way, it won't stick to your skin and cause irritation.