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Does anyone not bother wiping off old barrier ring between changes?

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Posted 10/28/2013 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
I used to scrape off old barrier ring that was stuck to my skin when I change wafers (mine seems to easily last 5-6 days but I tend to change them at 4 days because I am so active and travel a lot that I dont want to risk one starting to give out early). Indeed, since I switched from Hollister to Eakin rings they seem to last an extra day, easily. Is it really important to remove old barrier ring bits and residue or do some of you find it just fine to let the new ring melt right onto the old stuff? My main concern in wiping off theold stuff is that I could irritate the skin around the stoma, which however looks and feels great so it is probably an imaginary fear. Apart from showering before I change, my change time is usually about 60 seconds total.
Posted 10/28/2013 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
I've been wiping my old ring off even tho my ostomy nurse said it wasn't necessary. On my bag change days after I remove my old flange I wipe as much off with the adhesive remover then I shower and I get it virtually all off in the warm water. I'm fairly gentle with it and sometimes it does take a little time but for some reason I just like my skin nice and clean before putting on a new flange. Sometimes I need my fingernail to get it all. I haven't had any skin issues at all so far.
Posted 10/28/2013 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
No, I never wiped off the gunk. My WOCN said it wasn't necessary and that it's actually better for your skin to leave it on than to irritate your skin by trying to scrape it off. You'll almost definitely get better wear time that way as well, so long as the gunk you leave behind is clean (ie free of output).
Posted 10/29/2013 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks-- sounds like it is entirely optional-- I think I will stick with not bothering to wipe off what doesnt want to come off in the shower. The shower does remove all output, and I do gently wipe most of any remining ring off using a paper towel whilein the shower, but that usually leaves a film and some small bits. I like the idea of keeping up my very quick, 60 second appkiance change. Indeed, it looks like with eakin I need to go to 5 days rather than 4 anyway.
Posted 10/29/2013 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
Usually by the time I change nothing is left, but if there is I wipe off whatever is loose but I don't scrape at it. Does that make sense?
Posted 11/3/2013 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
     I use adhesive remover wipes, following with a clean cloth moistened with antibacterial soap, rinse with clean cloth moistened with water and pat dry.
Posted 11/4/2013 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
I find that the whole works just irritates my skin. I change every 3 days because I can't stand it any longer than that-- I get that super itch like you get under a cast, and I have to take the whole thing off and get it as clean as possible. That includes removing ALL remaining adhesive and starting from scratch. I think it would really bug me otherwise. But I guess if your skin can take it, it's fine to leave it.
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