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Ileostomy irritation


Mon, December 24, 2012 8:04 AM

Hi all,

I just wanted to know how to ease irritation from my ileostomy. I had my colon taken down about eight weeks ago. I am doing pretty well with it; although, I am having irritation in my skin around the stoma. It seems that the wafer seems to disintegrate due to the stool. When the wafer disintegrates stools gets on my skin and causes a lot of irritation. I have tried putting glue around it and the powder but the wafer keeps on falling apart. Any advice on how to keep the skin around the stoma nice and moist without irritation? 

FPO marielac2
Joined Apr 16, 2011

Thu, December 27, 2012 4:08 PM

 Reply posted for marielac2.

For me the irritation was caused by the glue “wipes” I was using as the adhesive component of the apparatus.  I switched to a 3M spray bottle and this not only eradicated the blistering, but sealed the apparatus to my skin better so I didn’t have as many leaks.  I needed to change and clean once every 3 days – this also prevented the stool from seeping.
Hang in there. It sounds like you’re almost through it.  The reversal surgery isn’t nearly as bad, and though it take some time for the body to adjust to the pouch, you’ll be yourself again come summer time.  Congrats on getting through this!

FPO rtl331
Joined May 25, 2011

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