Allergy to Ostomy Supplies

Dan,

Edgepark sells Geritrix BCT now. I got some there and its exactly the same as the bottle I ordered from a pharmacy you recommended a while back. My new nurse thought the BCT was more of an emotional crutch than something that really helps, but I tried without and with, and it makes a difference for me. My old nurse thought it was fine. The nurse at my support group said she thought it was too strong and she wouldn't use it.

Just talked to Edgepark. She could not find Geritrix. Do you have a number to order by?

I just had my first allergic reaction and it might be about as bad as yours. I switched up my routine and tried a Karaya gum barrier ring. Within 18 hours, by entire upper body, neck, face, hands, arms, and around/under my wafer were covered in itchy, sore, weepy hives. It's the worst. As soon as I removed the ring, I felt instant relief. After a SoluMedrol injection, doses of Allegra, Benydryl, and bathing in Caladryl and hydrocortisone cream.

I have rarely had allergic reactions because of my meticulous changing routine that I deviated from only this one time. Maybe my process will help you.
- My first layer or protection is MYLANTA dried with a hair DRYER on cool. If I have a bit of irritation, I might add CALADRYL or NYSTATIN to the mixture. My ostomy nurse told me to spray the area with NASACORT nasal spray if I ever need to heal an allergic reaction quickly and protect skin. So sometimes I'll add that preventively.
- 2nd layer is stoma POWDER and BARRIER SPRAY dried with the DRYER.
- 3rd layer I cut strips of DUODERM extra thin CGF dressing to irritated areas. It's made by Convatech to protect dermal ulcers.
- 4th layer I put small strips of Stomahesive around the stoma to help keep leakage from getting to my skin. I'm lazy about changing my bag and only like to change every 5-6 days - so this helps.
- 5th layer is the barrier ring. But this step can be interchanged with layer 6 if the ring is causing irritation.
- FINAL layer I use the MARLEN DOUBLE FACED ASHESIVE TAPE DISCS on the wafer. It is really sticky and it comlpletely keeps the wafer from touching my skin.

The entire process takes about 45 minutes, but it works for my sensitive skin.

blueglas
Found it on Edgepark. At drugsdepot. com the number is c2540383.

Thanks
Dan

The issue with the itch is from fecal matter against your skin as in a baby having diaper rash. You keep the baby bottom clean of it! So, taking antihistamines will not fix the problem. The problem is an improper fit of your wafer. The seal is what will get rid of the leakage around the stomach and the quick breakdown. I have been dealing with this problem ever since my g.i. Dr did a stretch and look into the stomach. Plus, kidney issues and high output from stomach. It's not been an easy fix finding that exact fit but taking imodium has somewhat helped. Just needed to comment when I saw so many people saying to take antihistamines, to take care of the itch when I know you need to get a better fit.

I don't think Katie comes here anymore - it was nearly 2 years ago that she posted this.

@Katie - If you do see this, did you ever find a solution to your allergy problem?

THANK YOU Dan, ive only been with ostomy 4 months but been burning and itching the entire time, been told every trick in the book and tested wafer after wafer... until i read this thread i felt hopeless,i got Benzoin Compound Tincture woohooooooooooo..been on 3 hours and still no pain, yes it stung when i applied it but no worse then what it hurt for hours on end, i'm so hopeful this is a permanet cure, i will be forever grateful.....