Tips for Reducing Skin Irritation from Adhesive Bags

I'd like to know what everyone uses so as not to be uncomfortable where the adhesive is on the skin, down the sides, and bottom of the bag. I use a barrier around the stoma, but it's just very uncomfortable most of the time. I cry myself to sleep! Any suggestions would be appreciated. I've tried so many bags, but it's not the bag but the adhesive. Thank you.

Have you tried different products? I can only use Hollister because the other adhesives tear my skin up. You could call other companies to get samples to see what works for you.

Otherwise, your stoma nurse may have ideas.

Hi Dsweets, I use a flat all-pectin wafer, and the only time it feels like it's pulling on my skin is if I let the pouch get too much output in it.

Maybe you are allergic to the adhesive and should try a different bag. Also try putting the skin barrier wipe or wand all around where the adhesive touches your skin. I do that and it helps. There is a little itching when I first put on a bag but then that goes away in about half an hour. 

You may need help from a stoma nurse to give you advice. Your question is not very clear. I see you say the bottom is pinching you? You may be trying to pull it too tight when putting it on, as I have done that before. When putting it on, just lay it on and don't pull upwards or downwards. Use a mirror when putting in the new pouch. Even a hand mirror will do. If you meant that it's pinching when taking it off, you may need adhesive remover wipes or spray.

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Thank you for all the suggestions. The only one I haven't tried is the pectin wafer. I'm just having a hard time mentally adjusting to a new way of life.

Hmm, it's kind of hard working with limited information.

But for less pain, follow these steps.

While in the shower, use antibacterial dish soap around the stoma to sterilize. Then a light amount of conditioner rubbed in around the stoma, then dish soap again to remove and only dish soap anytime after that if a spewing occurs. Do this each time a bag change is needed.

Dry very well using a blow dryer until the skin is rough and chapped.

Use a tiny amount of stoma powder around the stoma to cover, and on any other damaged skin, then blow dry off excess and dry wipe until gone. It will leave an invisible residue.

Use Flonase or generic nose spray as a skin protectant; it has stuff in it that stops pain on burns. Spray into the cap and pour, spread to adhesive areas. Dry very well. Repeat the process again.

Use no-sting paste and good quality ostomy supplies like Coloplast. Cut your wafer hole slightly larger than the stoma; if oval, then cut oval.

Use plenty of no-sting paste and ensure it's sticking well to the skin, spread thick to 1/2" around the stoma. Ditto on the wafer section with removed backing. Press down gently so the paste just encroaches into the wafer hole, press down around the stoma to bond to the skin.

Put extra-large barrier strips all around and an ostomy belt if needed. But wait on the belt until the paste has set up some, about a few hours lying on your back.

Never use alcohol or iodine as these sting and keep on stinging. Some people are allergic to alcohol.

Stop drinking coffee and switch to tea instead. Coffee makes the burns much more painful in my experience.