colostomy

I have had a colostomy bag since August and I keep getting sore skin because it leaks. I do not know what to do.

I got my colostomy in August as well.  I was having regular leaks a couple times a week for a while & I was using Hollister 2 piece and wax rings.  I was finally taught that after a while and your stoma shrinks you have to change your appliance size and I did.  I’m also still using the Hollister 2 piece system but Coloplast brava wax rings and no leaks since the change!

I had to switch from Coloplast one piece they would not stick, to Hollister 2 piece.  I also used the barrier extenders for awhile. The rings also help.   

Hello. I have a colostomy too. I use Hollister 2 piece system with a moldable barrier ring.

The skin around the stoma must be clean and dry. Don't use soap with lotions, fragrances, or color. I use Cetaphil bar soap.

Cutting the wafer hole to fit as close as possible to your stoma takes too long and can lead to complications. Your stoma will grow and shrink during the day. So the stoma might rub against the edge of the wafer hole. I cut a large hole in the wafer. Use 3M Cavilon barrier spray. Let it dry. Cut a 2-inch diameter moldable barrier ring through one side. Wearing gloves, gently, carefully squeeze and stretch the ring out. It will take a few times before you get proficient at it. Starting at the stoma bottom and at the center of the stretched ring, place the ring right next to the stoma base where the stoma and skin meet. Gently push the ring into the skin with your fingers; the ring will stick. Work up and around to the stoma top. Then place the wafer on your stomach to warm it up. Take off the plastic and place it over the stoma. Remove tape protector strips, stick to the skin. Place hands on the wafer and press against the skin for a minute. Move hands, repeat. Snap on the bag.

Looking on this website are other detailed instructions. Good luck.

If you’re getting leaks, you need to change something. You’ll need to be more specific on what exactly you use. 

How to Manage Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Leaks are certainly fixable but they take a bit of trial and error. It matters whether your stoma protrudes above the skin or is recessed. Whether your stool is liquid or semi-solid. The length of time you are wearing the appliance before changing it. What appliance and/or accessories you use. Whether you have a wafer adherrence problem. Finally what have you tried. Providing this information helps in seeking advice.

Do you have dips or depressions around your stoma, or is everything flat? Are you using a flat barrier or a convex one? If you have any depressions around your stoma and are trying to manage with a flat barrier, I would try convex before messing with rings and the like. It's the simplest solution and you know what Occam said. :-)

Also, are you making sure your peristomal skin is completely dry before application and are you warming the adhesive before application or during/after application? You cannot get a good seal without good adhesion. I warm mine with a hair dryer before it goes on. I also make sure I run my gloved fingers all around the stoma edge a few times. That is the starting point for leaks after all. Avoiding extended time on your back is recommended, but I am not sure how important that is for a colostomate.

Daniel

Hi, I had a colostomy in December, had so many leaks and red raw skin, tried bridges etc, it came down to the bags I was using, I use calamine lotion and salts bags now, hell of a difference, the lotion drys chalky and salts are the best bags on the market for me, hope this helps 👍