People with chronic leakage, fitting problems or very sensitive skin may find skin barrier rings beneficial. The rings, or seals are similar to a flange but made out of different material that is hypoallergenic and soothing to the skin. Rings come in different thicknesses and can be moulded or stretched by hand to custom fit around the stoma. You should see your Ostomy Nurse for help learning to apply a barrier ring correctly.
Paste is often misused and, it could be argued, misnamed. (It could be said that ‘putty’ might be a better term.) This product should not be used as an adhesive and only be used to fill in any uneven areas on the skin under the flange to make the skin level and gain a good seal. The other function of paste is a caulking material around the base of the stoma to keep discharge from leaking and getting under the wafer.
Your NSWOC may recommend skin barrier powder to dry a raw, weepy area on your skin. To apply, clean the irritated area with water and pat as dry as you can. Lightly dust the powder over the affected area. Brush off the excess and apply your pouch as usual. Some people dab or spray a skin sealant over the powder before applying their flange (also known as the Crusting Technique). It is best to stop using once the skin has healed unless otherwise instructed by your NSWOC.
Skin sealant (sometimes called barrier film or skin prep) puts a plastic-like coating on the skin. A sealant may help if you have skin that tears easily or use an ostomy skin barrier powder. Some people who have dry or oily skin find that their pouching system sticks better when using a skin sealant. If regular sealants (which may contain alcohol) are too irritating, you may use no-alcohol sprays and wipes.
You can purchase common tape brands over the counter at most drug stores. These products are skin-friendly (can be removed without damaging the skin) and help keep a hard-to-stick flange secure. People often tape the edges of their flange for extra security if engaging in sports or swimming. However, most appliances these days hold up well in water.
© 2023, Ostomy Canada Society. All rights reserved.