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| The care of your skin immediately around your stoma is possibly one of the most important things you can do to feel secure and comfortable. There are many choices today in products and accessories and the challenge sometimes is finding what is right for you. Some practical advice and tips on good skin care can be found here on C3Life.com. If you have some suggestions that have worked for you in the past, share them here with your friends. |
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| Hints & Tips |
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If at any time skin problems persist, or you’ve tried several treatments without success, it may be time to visit a stoma care nurse or doctor for some help and advice. |
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Remember, everyone’s skin is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. |
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The best course of action is to prevent skin problems from starting in the first place. A correctly fitted pouching system - that is, one which is snug to the stoma, but not too tight - is a good start. |
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With a loss or gain in weight, the peristomal skin may change size or shape and affect the pouch seal. Check to see if there are any skin dips or gullies around the stoma. |
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If there’s a small amount of broken skin, stoma powder can be applied to protect these areas from further breakdown. Be sure to brush off the excess powder before applying any other pastes or skin barriers. |
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Don't pull the skin barrier straight off the skin. Instead, gently press the skin away from the barrier. |
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If the pouch adhesive or tapes are difficult to remove, or if there are concerns about residue, you may find a remover helpful. |
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Make sure to empty the pouch when it’s one-third to one-half full. This ensures the adhesive is not carrying too much weight and maintains a good skin seal. |
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There’s no need to use harsh cleansers or disinfectants. Carefully remove the skin barrier adhesive and cleanse the skin with warm water. |
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The products are designed to adhere to the skin with nothing in between. Adding other remedies may cause skin reactions. |
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If an anti-fungal agent is recommended for treatment, make sure it’s in powder form or a non oil-based cream. |
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Sometimes using accessories can help, or products such as convex skin barriers, paste, and rings/seals, may help prevent leakage under the skin barrier. |
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Very impressed with this wonderful website! Permanent ileostomy since 11/06--nearly 2 years!!!...2 hints/tips working for me: 1) to circumvent possible ravages of gravity, at least for the stoma, turn wafer into diamond pattern, which gives more wafer coverage on the corners...
2) you don't have to spend $$ for seatbelt adjusters/guards to protect your stoma...I use 2 large shoulder pads under the belt--cheap, and it works! For newer ostomates, you might consider putting smaller shoulder pads inside your jeans over your stoma/incision area as added cushion.
submitted by Gutsy :{} 9/19/08 |
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| Submit your own hints and tips for Skin Care. |