Major skin irritation from wafer/flange?!

Okay, so...my skin is so irritated that it has been seeping for a few weeks now.  I have to put cotton or layers of toiletpaper between my skin and the bag to absorb the moisture.  It stings and itches.  Does anyone else have this problem and have you found anything that helps?  So far the powders I've tried do nothing along with the barrier sprays, too.  I have tried switching to different ostomy supplies all to no avail.

I'm having some issues myself. Last night a friend told me to put a very thin layer of boudreaux's butt paste on it then put the stoma paste on top of that. I'm going to try that tonight. Honey is getting the butt paste when he gets off work.

I haven't tried it yet so I can't speak on the success or failure rating yet.

Thanks for your suggestions...I haven't tried the Balsam thing....I will definitely look it up!  I just need something to work because it's very uncomfortable. :(

Hang in there! I was in your shoes a little less than a year ago and it certainly was not fun! I suffered with the rashes for several months and finally did patch testing to determine my allergies. As it turns out, I am highly allergic to isopropyl alcohol, so applying the paste in such generous amounts was killing me. We are all very different in terms of our skin needs, but there are solutions to almost every problem in one way or another. I was very nervous, thinking I was allergic to adhesives, but my dermatologist out of Mt Sinai told me not to worry . . . there were solutions even if that were to be the case. I had not opted for the j-pouch, so this was something I was going to have to live with for the rest of my life.

Now my regimen is quite different from others, as, due to the isopropyl allergy, I am allergic to skin preps and pastes. I cannot use the products most use to get a good seal, etc. Still, I am currently going 5-6 days with my appliance and I use very basic "ingredients." I use an extended-wear Coloplast two-piece system, an Eakin, and Aquaphor skin ointment (recommended by dermatologists for dry skin and irritation). I clean the skin in the shower very gently, dry everything well, and use a dry paper towel to dab off the Eakin residue. Then I apply, with a Q-tip, a very thin layer of the Aquaphor, rub it in well, and allow a minute or so for it to absorb into my skin. I then apply the Eakin, followed by the wafer. I have had no issues at all using this regimen. Some will think that the ointment keeps the wafer from adhering properly, but I have found the opposite to be true. Once absorbed, I think the ointment actually adds to the seal. The best part is that the Aquaphor is such a benign product; it is made for people with allergies and provides a great barrier against the adhesives.

I am not allergic to adhesives, but I have extremely sensitive skin. This regimen is working wonders for me.

Good luck in finding your answers, but know that you will figure it out one way or another!

80'sChick.

I'm having an issue because my stoma empties out right on my skin and since it is temp Loop, they won't do anything until take down which will probably be in Feb or there abouts.
I can NOT cut the wafer closer to my stoma because it just takes hours before the output pushes under the wafer when I do. So now I have something like 1/8 to 1/4 inch of my skin that is getting close to 2nd degree burn.

What I'm doing...
1. I'm waiting for some convex wafer bags to show up and try them even tho my ostomy nurse says my firm belly will just push them off me. (hope she is wrong--and they still help me)
2. a friend that USED to work with stomas in a nursing home and also sold the stuff with a company LIKE Edgepark, but now works with my at my full time job gave me a suggestion. He told me to use a very thin layer of boudreaux's butt paste on the irritated skin, then put a regular layer of stoma paste on top of it so it doesn't prevent the wafer from sticking where they may overlap. That reduced the pain for a couple of days and since I'm using a two piece, I keep reapplying.

Do you have any other suggestions? I'm willing to try anything to save my skin. Having a scar where the stoma was with a little bitty scar where the drain tube was and a REAL long incision where I've been cut open twice this year is enough. Could I not have burn scars too??

It could definitely be yeast if its warm and moist. It sounds like you are doing the best you can. I think the convex should definitely help...I've never heard of your stomach pushing it away.

I use the Marlen ostomy bags with Eakin seal and it works wonder for me. Skin infection gone, hope it works for you if you can try the Marlen.

80sChick said...
Hi and I am so sorry you're living like this!

I have had issues like this, both from a skin allergy and from a severe fungal infection. You need to figure out what is causing the problem before you can really get help. Any ideas as to what it is? You should see a stoma nurse to try to figure it out if you're not sure. Once you know, I can tell you what has helped me. The things I did to fix my skin in both situations were really different for each situation though, so I don't want to tell you the wrong thing.


Let us know more about what you think might be causing it!

 

I found out from my doctor that it might be a yeast infection....he prescribed some cream so we will see! I am so done with this nasty rash.

mystique i cannt understand why you cannot cut the wafter to fit snug around the stoma - obviously you are getting leaks and anyone would - its a well known fact that a snug fit is what prevents leaks - unles you need convex as your stoma is low or (like me) a stitch came out afer surgery. i swear by using seals - espeically Hollister Adapt - they are hte most strongest and long lasting in my experience and soak up any moisture which my scn said.