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Hollister Secure Start Services eNewsletter
Q1 2019
WHAT'S SO FUNNY?
I Can't Stop Itching!
Brenda scratches right where it itches with humor
I've had my share of itching. I have a wooded backyard, and if I see a wood tick, I have a psychological urge to keep scratching. In my early Camp Fire Girl days, I once climbed into a patch of poison ivy and the pink splotches on my legs soon turned into an itchy mess.
It seems the more you feel that mosquito bite, the more you are compelled to scratch it. Unfortunately it never helps. I did some very thorough "research" through friends and family to ask for their remedies for a never-ending itch. Here is what my limited market research pulled up: Rub coconut oil or the tops of strawberries on the itch. Basil, peppermint or aloe vera leaves work for some folks too. Apple cider vinegar got a couple of nods, along with drinking several beers. Eat bananas and watermelons and then rub their skins on your itches. In a pinch, oatmeal paste or clay will do too. And there you have it.
Of course, none of these proposed home remedies would work well for itchy skin underneath an ostomy barrier. Putting any of these on the peristomal skin could interfere with the barrier's ability to stick to the skin and the outcome of that could be worse than the itch!
Early on with an ostomy, I used to have terrible itches under my pouch and I hated changing it so I just left it. This was not a great plan. My skin suffered a lot from my irregular stoma, cutting my pouches too big, and products that didn't agree with me. It was trial and error for a very long time. After I had a couple more surgeries, the combination of antibiotics gave me a yeast infection around the stoma to contend with. At that time, I used a lot of paste, but there are so many better products these days. It's been a long time since I had an itch around my stoma. The best thing to do if you have an itch is to probably check out your flange to see if it's been compromised. Once stool or urine gets on the skin it can wreak havoc.
I've also found that having your hands down your pants in public is just not a good look. People will wonder about you.
I'll leave you with one last tip I read about on the internet-press a charge card along the itch and it will go away. I have my own theory about that. I went shopping while suffering from an itchy sunburn, took the charge card out, bought a new purse, some makeup and a cute dress and forgot about the itch all together. That card tip really worked!
*Please note: The content of this article is not meant as medical advice. If you have peristomal skin itching, please consult your ostomy care nurse or healthcare professional.
Brenda Elsagher is a loud and proud member of the ostomy community and a good friend of Hollister Incorporated. She is an international keynote speaker, author and comedian.
Her books include: If the Battle is Over, Why am I Still in Uniform?; I'd Like to Buy a Bowel Please!; Bedpan Banter; It's in the Bag and Under the Covers; and Your Glasses Are on Top of Your Head. You can find out more about her at livingandlaughing.com.
Financial Disclosure: Brenda received compensation from Hollister Incorporated for her contribution to this eNewsletter.
