If you're living with an ostomy (or you're a caregiver for someone with an ostomy), you might be thinking, "why all this talk about skin?"
Turns out, one of the most important elements of regaining and maintaining a healthy, comfortable lifestyle after ostomy surgery is about taking good care of the skin around the stoma.
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Peristomal Skin: The Facts
Peristomal Skin: The Facts
The area of skin around the stoma is called peristomal skin.
Although we know healthy peristomal skin is essential to overall health and quality of life, the majority of those with a stoma experience a problem with peristomal skin at some point in their lives.
Because irritation is so common, many people have come to believe that skin problems are just a normal part of living with a stoma. At Hollister Ostomy Care, we disagree. We believe that peristomal skin deserves better, and you don't have to accept the pain and problems that can come with a peristomal skin complication.
Some studies report up to 75% of people with an ostomy1 experience peristomal skin irritation. This is also known as a peristomal skin complication, or a PSC.
Healthy Skin Should Be the Rule, Not the Exception
The reality is, peristomal skin should be intact without irritation, rash, or redness. The skin around your stoma should look just like the skin on the other side of your abdomen, or anywhere else on your body.
Healthy Peristomal Skin
The skin around the stoma should be intact without irritation, rash, or redness. A properly fitting skin barrier protects the skin from being irritated or damaged by the stoma drainage. The right formulation of ingredients in your skin barrier helps maintain healthy skin from the start.Damaged Peristomal Skin
If the skin around your stoma is damaged, it will look irritated and feel sore. If the opening on your pouching system is too large or does not adhere well, the drainage from the stoma can damage the skin.Damaged Peristomal Skin
Irritated skin that develops under the skin barrier can occur for a variety of reasons. Your skin may have become damaged from incorrect or frequent removal. The skin may be itchy, blistered, or open and weeping. This problem can develop at any time even if you have worn the same type of product for months or years.
If you experience red, broken, or moist skin around the stoma, contact your WOC/ET nurse or healthcare professional. Not sure who to call? Our Hollister Secure Start services team can help point you in the right direction: 1.888.808.7456.
1. Rapp CG, L Richbourg, JM Thorne. Difficulties Experienced by the Ostomate After Hospital Discharge. JWOCN. 2007;34(1):70-79
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