Question:
I have had my ostomy for close to 20 years due to Crohn’s Disease. While I’ve occasionally dealt with leaks, over the past week it’s been leaking so much that the skin underneath has become raw and weeping. This makes it nearly impossible for the flange to stick, and I’ve been forced to change it multiple times a day. I have an appointment with a surgeon in April, and I won’t be able to see a stoma nurse until then. Does anyone have any suggestions to help me manage this in the meantime?
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out to the Medical Lifestyle Advisory Committee. We are sorry to be delayed in getting back to you. We understand how upsetting it must be to experience repeated leakage and skin breakdown after many years of successfully managing your ostomy, and we’re here to help.
Based on your description, here are several recommendations that may help:
- Support Skin Healing
- Raw, weeping skin makes it difficult for any flange to adhere. You can try the crusting technique by applying stoma powder followed by a skin barrier spray or wipe. This can be repeated once or twice before applying your appliance.
- Avoid alcohol-based products, as they may sting or delay healing.
- Adjust Your Appliance
- If you’re using a flat wafer, consider switching to a convex barrier for better sealing—especially if your stoma is retracted or flush.
- Use a barrier ring or ostomy paste to fill in uneven areas and enhance adhesion.
- Make sure your wafer opening fits snugly around the stoma, with ideally only a 1–2 mm gap.
- Skin Care Tips
- Clean the area with warm water only (avoid soaps with oils or moisturizers).
- Allow the skin to dry completely before applying the appliance.
- Do not use moisturizers near the stoma area, as they can interfere with adhesion.
- See a NSWOC Nurse
- A certified Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOC) can assess your situation in person. They can evaluate your current appliance, suggest suitable product adjustments, and support healing of your peristomal skin.
- To find a local NSWOC nurse: Find an NSWOC – Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, & Continence Canada (NSWOCC)membersnswoc.ca/find.phtml
Additional Resources:
- Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide: WOCN – Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide for Consumerspsag-consumer.wocn.org/#home
- Hollister: Hollister Incorporated | Ostomy, Continence, and Critical Car | Hollister CAhollister.ca/en-ca
- Coloplast: Coloplast | Products & services for you with intimate care needscoloplast.ca
- Convatec: Convatecconvatec.ca
Important Note
If the skin appears infected (e.g., increasing redness, pain, warmth, or pus), please consult your doctor or go to your local emergency department as soon as possible.
We hope this guidance brings you some relief. Please don’t hesitate to reach out again if you need further assistance.
Answered by
Medical and Lifestyle Advisory Team Lead,
Ostomy Canada Society
