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How to Care for Skin Around the Stoma

If you’re living with a stoma, you may experience skin problems around the stoma site, known as the peristomal area. Suitable care and the right products can help maintain healthy skin around the stoma, helping to provide comfort and prevent complications.

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Common Stoma Skin Problems

Common stoma skin problems include redness and irritation of the peristomal area, which can be signs of skin breakdown caused by leakage or friction.  

Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause skin to breakdown making it sore and irritated. This is known as moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) and can occur when skin under the flange of the stoma bag is exposed to output from leakage. Breakdown can also occur because of friction. This can be caused by the stoma bags being cut to the wrong size or not using the right type of bag.  

The repeated application and removal of pouches may also cause medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs). This can leave the skin sore and may make wearing a stoma bag uncomfortable. The additives in medical adhesive may also cause allergic reactions in some people. This can also result in the skin around the stoma becoming sore and irritated. 

Recognising these problems early on can help to make treatment easier and more effective. 

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How to Avoid Sore Skin Around the Stoma

  1. Clean and Dry: Gently clean the area with warm water, avoiding harsh soaps. Make sure to pat the area dry completely.
  2. Protect: Use a skin barrier spray or barrier film wipes before applying your bag to help shield the skin from the effects of moisture and adhesives. To help prevent any further damage to the skin or MARSIs, use a medical adhesive remover when taking off your bag.
  3. Ensure a Secure Fit: Your stoma can change size and shape over time. If you find your bag leaks re-measure your stoma and make sure it’s cut to the right size. Over time the rest of your body may change too. It’s a good idea to try different pouches to see if they suit you better. You can order free samples or if you’re not sure what product to try you can talk to a member of our Careline Team.
  4. Find What Works: If you are experiencing problems it can be worth trying different bags to rule out sensitivities to adhesives as each brands will be slightly different.

If issues with sore skin persist seek advice from your Stoma Care Nurse or healthcare professional.

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CliniMed offer a range of products designed to protect peristomal skin:

Three Aura Plus stoma bags, a black closed bag, a sand drainable bag and a black urostomy bag.

Aura® Plus

The gentle application of pressure improves the fit helping to prevent leakage while the flexibility and plus-shaped flange keeps the pouch secure. The adhesive is also infused with medical grade Manuka honey which may help to promote healthy skin around the stoma and is accredited by the Skin Health Alliance.

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A can of CliniPeel Mint spray, a can of CliniPeel spray and a box of CliniPeel wipes.

CliniPeel Medical Adhesive Remover

Provides no-sting pouch removal without solvents or alcohol. It’s available in spray and wipes and is quick drying so you can apply a new bag straight away.

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A box of CliniShield Advance wipe sachets on a white box and a can of CliniShield Advance barrier film spray next to it.

CliniShield Advance Barrier Film

Available in both sprays and wipes that create a waterproof barrier to protect your skin for up to 48 hours. The protective layer also helps your stoma bag to stay in place.

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