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OSTOMY PRACTICAL TIPS Metro There is no one right answer, only recommendations and ideas to try. You will need a few things to care for your colostomy. Exactly what you will need depends on the way your bowel behaves and on the care method you choose. No two people are alike. The Skin - A colostomy which discharges firm stool usually causes few, if any skin problems. If the stool is loose, as is often the case with transverse colostomies, (Ed’s Note: and some Descending colostomies also), it can irritate the skin. As you get stronger and you become better at handling your equipment, skin irritations will become less of a problem. Here are some ways to prevent skin problems: - Use the correct size appliance and skin barrier opening. - Change the appliance regularly to avoid leakage and skin irritation. Appliance leakage will produce itching and burning if not changed quickly, and skin eruption will occur. - Do not ‘rip” the appliance away from the abdomen or remove it more than once a day - unless that is a problem. Remove the face plate gently by pushing your skin from the appliance rather than pulling the appliance from the skin. Water will often help. - Keep the skin clean with water. If necessary, use a mild soap and rinse very well. Pat dry before applying the gauze or pouch. This can be done in the shower or tub. - Watch for sensitivities and allergies to adhesive, skin barrier, tape or pouch material. They can develop weeks, months, or even years after use of a product since the body can become gradually sensitized. If you have a skin irritation which is only under the pouch, you might try a pouch cover, which is available from several manufacturers, or make your own. FYI- For Your Information - 2006 Hollister has another product that will both help your skin, and your appliance time preparation. Perhaps many of you have already tried it. It first hit the market as the ADAPT Skin Barrier Rings. Number 7806 However, they have changed their manufacturing process of this item. They now have a number 7805, which is smaller and of a different material. At first I didn’t care for the new product because it was smaller and it has to be stretched to fit the faceplate opening. Then, after I tried it a couple of times, I find it may work out OK, or even better, in that it melts down into the groves of the skin better than their first product. It does tend to turtleneck up around the opening a little also, so be sure to apply it onto the faceplate with care.... Basically this product will, in most cases, take the place of the Stomahesive paste, which sometimes can be messy and more difficult to use. There are still 10 in a package, and Airway does have it in stock most of the time. via Lee C. - GROA 82 |