In this article, we’ll share practical tips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for those with uneven peristomal skin. Whether you’re new to ostomy care or looking to improve your routine, these insights will help enhance your skin health and appliance performance.
A common challenge people with ostomies face is ensuring a good fit with their ostomy appliance. Uneven skin, such as wrinkles, dips, surgical scars, or fluctuations in weight, can make this process more difficult. Uneven skin can lead to issues such as discomfort, leaks, and irritation. By learning to manage and address these issues, you’ll be better able to create a secure seal, prevent leaks, and maintain skin health. Here are five tips to create a better fit around your ostomy.
1. Barrier Wipes and Sprays
Prepping the skin by keeping it clean and dry before applying any products or appliances is a key first step for any ostomy routine. Use skin prep wipes or sprays to help protect the skin from irritation and damage caused by an improper fit. The Coloplast Brava Skin Barrier Wipes or Spray are good options to try. Also, consider the Hollister Adapt Skin Barrier Wipes.
2. Barrier Rings and Strips
Barrier rings and strips are designed to conform to dips and wrinkles, creating a smoother surface for the ostomy appliance to adhere to. They tend to be elastic, allowing greater freedom of movement. Like most ostomy products, ensure the skin is clean and dry before applying. Mould the ring or strip to fit the uneven area, then apply the ostomy barrier over it. Popular products to try could be the Coloplast Brava Protective Ring or the Hollister Adapt Barrier Rings.
3. Skin Fillers and Paste
Ostomy pastes act as fillers to even out skin contours, preventing leaks. To use, apply a small bead of paste to the uneven area, allow it to set for a few minutes, then apply the ostomy barrier. Try Hollister’s Adapt Skin Barrier Paste, Coloplast’s Brava Strip Paste, or Convatec Stomahesive® Paste. Here’s an additional article from our website about when to use an ostomy paste.
4. Preventing and Managing Skin Irritation
Keeping the skin around the stoma dry and healthy is crucial. For some, using ostomy powders for moist areas will ensure the appliance fits well, preventing leaks. Options to try might be Coloplast’s Brava Powder or Hollister Adapt Stoma Powder.
5. Custom Ostomy Appliances
Like many ostomy products, getting advice from your NSWOC (Nurse Specializing in Wound, Ostomy, Continence) or healthcare provider can be a great step in navigating this area. Convex wafers and custom-cut appliances can accommodate unique body dips and shapes, providing a better fit. Products to explore might include the Coloplast SenSura® Mio Convex Light Click Barrier or the Hollister New Image
Convex CeraPlus Skin Barrier – Tape.
Ostomy products are not one size fits all. These tips are a helpful place to start but going for regular checkups to monitor skin health and appliance fit are also important. Seeking the advice of your healthcare provider or NSWOC can offer more personalized suggestions.
Finally, as your skin naturally goes through changes over time, you may find you need to alter your routine and the products you use. It may require some trial and error to find what works best for you—and that’s okay!
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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 5 Tips to Manage Uneven Skin Around Your Ostomy first appeared on Ostomy Canada Society.