White waxy substance around stoma - need advice!

Lately I'm seeing a white waxy-looking ring around the outer part of my stoma. Twice now in the last week. The first time, I thought it happened because I was using too much deodorant lubrication. I can break this ring off through the outside bag and push it towards the outlet. I cut down on the amount of lube and it seemed fine. Now it's back again, and I know I used very little lubricant. It's happened after a new bag was put on. Has anyone else encountered this? Do I need to call a doctor? I've only had an ostomy since July 26th. I'm new at this.
I read online that it's mucus? But why does it look like wax? Is it from pancaking? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Mamasan,

I did a quick look around the internet and the only thing close to what you are describing occurs with urostomies... where urine contacts the colloidal material of barrier ring and turns it into a waxy mess. But from your profile, it said you had a perforated colon... so I assume you have either an ileostomy or a partial colostomy... so there should be no urine present. I don't see how mucus coming from inside your stoma could form a ring around the outside of your stoma... but have no experience with such a thing. You don't say how long after you install your new barrier/ring you see this waxy ring... are we talking minutes, hours, or days? I'm also not sure what you mean by 'deodorant lubrication'... sorry. If no one on here has any ideas, simply break the ring off and slide it out of your bag as you describe. Then put it in a ziplock bag and bring it to your doctor's lab (after you call your doc and explain that you want to have it analyzed). If your doc doesn't work at a facility with a lab onsite... ask him/her where you should take it for analysis. It should be very easy to determine exactly what it is. I'm leaning toward your barrier decaying... but that 'deodorant lubrication' thing has my attention.

Regards,

Bob

Mamasan, my advice on this is to check with an ostomy nurse. I do have two questions, though. Does the ring wash off in the shower or with adhesive remover? I'm thinking that part of your barrier is separating and leaving residue. Why are you using a lubricant? Is it really necessary? I have a feeling that the lubricant/deodorant is causing the problem. Mike

I see the white waxy substance about an hour or two after a new bag is placed. I was given a bottle of liquid Adapt deodorizing gel. You squirt a small amount at the outlet of the bag and move it around a little. This gel helps keep the smell down by releasing gas in the bag. I have had my ostomy bag since July 26th and have used the Adapt deodorizing gel since being in the hospital, so I'm not sure if it's creating the white waxy ring around the stoma. I'll call the wound nurse and ask them. Thank you for your response.

I keep my bag on when showering. So, I have no idea if it breaks apart. I break it apart and push it down to the bottom of the bag. As for Adapt deodorizing gel, it was suggested that I use it on new bags or when the bag is emptied, and add a squirt. I guess the answer is no, it doesn't have to be used if I don't want to. It does keep smells down when the air is released - times I need to "burp" the bag. I will call the wound nurse and ask the question of what it could be. Thanks for the quick reply.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

As usual, your input advice is excellent, Bob. You are truly a blessing to us ostomates on this site.

Mike from Lakewood, Ohio

Hi Mike. Remember... one man's blessing... is another man's curse. But I appreciate the sentiment!!! Thanks.

;0)

Bob

To put this one question I had to bed. I spoke with a wound ostomy nurse for a while. What is turning white is my barrier ring. Due to moisture in the bag, especially after placing a new one, the ring is absorbing this moisture and turns the ring white. She instructed me not to break apart but leave it be. This is not real common but does happen at times.
Thank you all for excellent, supportive responses. It's nice to have somewhere to go and ask questions where it is understood exactly what I'm feeling or know answers to my bumps in the road.

Mamasan

Is it possible that if you wear a barrier ring that when changing it, it is leaving some behind, especially in heat or long wear, etc... I wear a ring and each change leaves a white gooey bite behind... I clean the area with soap, cloth, and warm water. I use an adhesive remover, then the skin barrier wipe, let it dry, and proceed to place new stuff... Mine is usually left under my stumpy. He hangs a bit and can't see under him, so I use the feel method or mirror....

Tracy

I have had ring residue after changing. I was told it is the ring adhesive left as the ring breaks down, as well as possible excess heat/warmth. I get 7 days wear out of the bag and ring. If you use a barrier ring, perhaps change the supplier of the ring or lube you currently use. Make sure when you're changing, you clear all that way. Use no cleanser, use a cotton ball with baby oil or rubbing alcohol until all is removed. Shower or wash off so it doesn't interfere with the sticking of the appliance.