Learn effective tips to manage itchy skin under your ostomy flange, including identifying causes, simplifying cleaning, and seeking support for a more comfortable experience.
Whether you have a urostomy, colostomy, or ileostomy, you may have encountered a common problem for people with ostomies—itchy skin (pruritus). This issue is uncomfortable and frustrating, but managing it can make a big difference in comfort. In this article, we’ll explore some practical tips to address and prevent itchy skin.
1. Identify the Itch
A key distinction to make is whether your skin is itchy but appears normal or if it is itchy with signs of irritation.
- Normal-Looking Skin with Itchiness: If your skin appears normal without redness or damage but still itches, it might be due to dryness or sensitivity to the product. Consider switching to an ostomy wafer with ceramides to help maintain skin moisture, as dryness can be another source of itchy skin. Another fix for dry skin can include removing and replacing your pouching system. This simple change sometimes improves dryness.
- Irritated or Damaged Skin: If there’s redness, moisture, or any skin openings, it could indicate irritant dermatitis or an infection like candidiasis. In this case, consult your healthcare provider, who may recommend specific treatments, such as medications or skin barriers. Check with your healthcare provider before using skin prep wipes or ostomy powders. For more information on skin irritation, check out this article. For information specific to urostomy irritation, check out this article.
2. Simplify Your Cleaning Routine
- Often, water alone is enough to clean around the stoma. Avoid using ostomy powders or skin prep wipes unless your healthcare provider recommends them, as they can sometimes worsen irritation.
3. Assess Product Compatibility
- Another consideration is potential sensitivities or allergies to the products being used. If you suspect this, speak with an NSWOC (Nurse Specializing in Wound and Ostomy Care) who can help find compatible products.
4. Implement Skin Breaks
- Removing the appliance for 15-30 minutes (preferably in the morning before eating) can allow the skin to air out, reducing moisture buildup and helping prevent irritation. You can use a clean towel or paper towels to catch any stool or urine.
5. Monitor for Leaks
- When changing your ostomy appliance, inspect the back of the adhesive for signs or leaks, as they can lead to skin issues. Managing and preventing leaks can help reduce irritation. Check out this page to learn more about ostomy leaks.
6. Seek Support
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or support groups. They can offer valuable advice tailored to your needs and assist with finding solutions if itchiness persists.
Remember, caring for the skin around your ostomy is essential for comfort. There are solutions available to manage and prevent itchiness effectively. You are not alone in your ostomy journey. Do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or find support. Your healthcare provider can work collaboratively with you to tackle challenges and find solutions.
Source
By Erika Kana, RN, Content Writer, Ostomy Canada Marketing Team.
Erika Kana is a Calgary-based Registered Nurse and health content writer. She has experience in geriatric and medical-surgical nursing and specializes in emergency nursing. Her diverse nursing experiences have sparked an interest in wound and ostomy nursing. Erika regularly seeks out ways to learn more about ostomy management and research.
The post Tips to Stop Itchy Skin Under Your Ostomy Flange first appeared on Ostomy Canada Society.