An ideal skin surface for your stoma bag to stick well is one that is clean and dry, and free from any greases or creams. However, we know that if you have experienced skin damage or soreness due to your output getting onto the skin surrounding your stoma, that a completely dry skin surface may not be possible.
Sore or broken skin can also be caused by the removal of stoma bags, or other appliances, that pull at your skin surrounding your stoma, which is known as ‘skin stripping’, or from skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Please be assured that although this can be uncomfortable and sore, that you are not alone, that many other ostomates also deal with sore skin from time to time.
When the skin becomes sore and broken it can make the adhesion of the stoma bag difficult due to the wet and weepy skin, which can cause your stoma bag to leak, causing even further skin damage,
Using an ostomy seal like eakin® seals can help to prevent leaks by absorbing output and provide an even and dry skin surface for your stoma bag to adhere to.
If you are experiencing leaks and sore skin, we recommend you speak to your stoma care nurse as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to ensure the products you are using are still suitable. They may recommend the use of a skin treatment or powder to help create a dry surface, or even the use of a seal to help with stoma bag adhesion. Your stoma care nurse can assess your skin and advise on the best course of action