Summary
One of the biggest stresses of ostomy care is dealing with irritated or damaged peristomal skin. This blog goes over various ostomy products designed to help prevent irritation in the first place, keeping you and your skin healthy and comfortable.
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- Common Causes of Skin Irritation Around a Stoma
- Types of Skin Barriers for Ostomy Care
- Best for Sensitive Skin
- Longest Wear Time with Strong Adhesion
- Most Flexible for Active Users
- Best for Moisture Buildup
- Tips for Preventing Skin Irritation and Maintaining Healthy Skin
- Where to Buy the Best Skin Barriers and Wipes
Introduction
The skin around your stoma requires specific care to remain healthy. With an ostomy, the skin comes into constant contact with bodily waste and adhesives, which can lead to skin breakdown, irritation, and infection. And you can't just stop wearing your ostomy appliances when the skin is irritated or damaged, so skin protection is crucial for your health and comfort.
Skin barriers, protective barrier wipes and sprays, stoma powders, and more are ostomy products designed to protect your skin and prevent irritation.
Common Causes of Skin Irritation Around a Stoma
The skin around the stoma is referred to as peristomal skin. Peristomal skin often becomes irritated and/or itchy, affecting your overall health and comfort. Common peristomal skin complications (PSC) and their causes include:
- Fluid leakage - improperly fitting skin barriers
- Skin stripping - frequent skin barrier changes and adhesive removal
- Dermatitis - sensitivity to certain ostomy adhesives and/or skin barriers
- Fungal infection (candidiasis) - moisture buildup and bacterial growth
Types of Skin Barriers for Ostomy Care
1. Wafers and Skin Barriers
Skin barriers (also known as wafers) are the base of ostomy pouching systems. Its primary purpose is to protect peristomal skin from leakage and help secure the ostomy pouch in place. Skin barriers are available in cut-to-fit (customizable barriers for stomas that change in size) and precut (for consistently sized stomas).
2. Stoma Pastes and Barrier Rings
A perfect seal is key for effective ostomy pouch use - stoma pastes and barrier rings help fill in uneven surfaces to create a strong seal.
Stoma paste creates a protective layer over the skin, simultaneously shielding the skin and filling in the gaps. Barrier rings look like ostomy skin barriers, but unlike skin barriers, their purpose is to supplement the primary seal. They are moldable rings designed to form to the skin around the stoma, smoothing out uneven skin for a better seal.
3. Liquid Skin Barriers and Protective Sprays
Liquid skin barriers are quick-drying formulas that create an invisible layer on the skin, shielding skin underneath from leakage and irritation. Liquid skin barriers help protect sensitive or healing skin from output, friction, and adhesive removal.
Top-Rated Skin Barriers for Preventing Irritation
New Image Flat FormaFlex Skin Barrier – Best for Sensitive Skin
The New Image Flat FormaFlex is a flexible, stretchable barrier with a floating flange. The floating flange allows space underneath for your fingers to hold the skin in place when attaching the pouch, minimizing pressure on delicate skin.
Key Features
- Extended Wear for Long-Term Use
- Flexible Material Great for Sensitive Stomas
- Stretchable to Fit Stoma Size Changes
Customer Review
"I have used this product for years. Very satisfied."
Natura Durahesive Extended Wear Flat Skin Barriers – Longest Wear Time with Strong Adhesion
The Natura Durahesive Skin Barrier is an extended wear barrier made with trademarked Moldable Technology, which means it forms a perfect fit and secure seal around the stoma. It is designed for liquid output and swells up to accommodate it, unlike other barriers that might break down.
Key Features
- Turtlenecking Effect Holds Output While Protecting Skin
- Moldable Design Creates a Custom, Secure Fit
- No Cutting or Guesswork Required
Customer Review
"Super easy to apply. So comfortable to wear that I most of the time I felt like I didn’t even have an ostomy."
SenSura Mio Click Standard Wear Barrier – Most Flexible for Active Users
The SenSura Mio barrier is an elastic, flexible barrier that bends and stretches with you, moving easily with the body's natural movements. This easy-to-use barrier "clicks" into place when secure, giving you the freedom to go about your daily life without worrying about the security of your pouch.
Key Features
- Elastic Adhesive Moves with the Body
- Neutral Gray Color for More Discretion
- Soft, Comfortable Textile Material Reduces Friction
Customer Review
"Long lasting, reliable, blow-out resistant and comfortable are just a few words to describe this high quality skin barrier."
Securi-T Solid Hydrocolloid Cut-to-Fit Wafer – Best for Moisture Buildup
The Securi-T Solid Wafer is made with a skin-friendly hydrocolloid material that adheres to the skin even when it's wet. The hydrocolloid gel even continues to absorb moisture without losing the strength of its seal.
Key Features
- Hydrocolloid Is Gentle On the Skin
- Absorbs Moisture While Worn to Prevent Irritation
- Cut-to-Fit Design Allows for a Customizable Fit
Best Skin Wipes and Accessories for Ostomy Care
1. Adhesive Remover Wipes
Adhesive remover wipes gently dissolve adhesive and leftover residue for easy pouch removal.
2. Barrier Wipes and Protective Films
Barrier wipes create a protective, breathable layer that protects the skin from adhesive, while still allowing a secure seal.
3. Ostomy Pastes and Powders
Ostomy pastes and powders fill in uneven skin surfaces for a better seal, while absorbing excess moisture.
Tips for Preventing Skin Irritation and Maintaining Healthy Skin
1. Ensure Your Ostomy Appliance Fits You
Having the right ostomy pouch size, fit, and material for your body is the best way to prevent irritated or damaged peristomal skin. The barrier should fit closely around your stoma without touching it. If you are unsure the fit is right for you, consult with your healthcare provider about trying a different pouch.
2. Clean Skin Around Stoma
Always gently clean the skin around your stoma before putting on a new appliance. Use a soft cloth with warm water - avoid soaps with fragrances, alcohol, or oils.
3. Let Skin Dry Thoroughly Before Applying
Once the skin is clean, allow the area to dry completely or pat dry. If you try to apply to damp skin, it can affect the seal and cause leakage and irritation.
4. Use Protective Barrier Wipes or Sprays
Skin barrier wipes and sprays create an additional layer of protection for sensitive skin, preventing skin stripping and irritation.
5. Choose Products With Skin-Friendly Adhesive
When picking ostomy products, look for products that advertise themselves as hypoallergenic, breathable, and/or skin-friendly.
6. Don't Overuse Adhesive Removers
Adhesive removers are great for gently removing appliances, but overusing them can dry out your skin. A little goes a long way - use just enough to lift the appliance and follow up with gentle cleansing.
7. Try Stoma Powder for Controlling Moisture
If your skin is irritated, moist, or weeping, stoma powder absorbs excess moisture and creates a seal that prevents leakage.
Where to Buy the Best Skin Barriers and Wipes
Vitality Medical carries a wide selection of top-rated skin barriers and wipes from trusted brands. We offer fast 1-3 day shipping and discounts for bulk orders.
Conclusion
Skin care is key to keeping peristomal skin and you healthy. Skin barriers, protective barrier wipes, pastes, and powders can all help protect your skin and prevent discomfort and irritation. Shop Vitality Medical's selection of high-quality medical supplies today!
