Itchy Skin Under Ostomy Wafer - Is a Change Needed?

Hi All, I have an ileostomy. I am not seeing any signs of a leak, but the skin itches under the wafer. I changed the bag 2 days ago. Should I change it again?

Sometimes I get itching under the wafer too. I think it's a reaction to the glue that they use to make the wafer stick. The itch should go away with time. You can scratch it a little bit gently without doing any damage. You shouldn't have to change your wafer again. How often do you change your wafer? I change mine every three days, so that would be just one more day away for me. But I don't know how often you change yours. If you don't see any leak, then there probably isn't one. I wouldn't worry so much about it. If it gets really unbearable, you can try changing your wafer, but if it's a reaction to the glue, then it will just happen again.

Thank You for the reply. I’ve been changing it every 3 to 4 days. 

Also, do you have issues cutting the hole out of the wafer to fit around your stoma, does it have to be perfectly round? I keep getting jagged edges

Itchy skin under the wafer or adhesive is likely a fungal infection, much like athlete's foot fungus.

To defeat this:

1: Use something soft, straight, and stiff to sideways scrape off any excess glue, adhesive, paste, etc., while in the shower. Don't use your fingernails as that just makes it go elsewhere on the body. Also, you don't risk scratching the skin around the stoma that way.

2: Next, use liquid antibacterial soap to wash around the stoma. It will sting a little but not as bad as alcohol or iodine. Dry well using a blow dryer when you get out of the shower.

3: Apply athlete's anti-fungal foot powder (no creams or sprays) to the affected area and dry brush excess off very well. Too much and nothing will stick. Use instead of stoma powder.

4: Spray coat the area with skin protectant and blow dry well.

5: Apply ring/paste then your wafer, etc.

6: Repeat the process at each bag change until symptoms subside.

If you're feeling an ache or burning sensation, it's almost definitely a leak.

If you drink coffee, the burn pain can be far worse than normal; switch to tea.

Your other post was answered there.

Good luck 🍀

Note: If you're still feeling itchy under the wafer even after using fungal powder for a few weeks, you might be allergic to the adhesive of the wafer or to alcohol wipes or alcohol pastes, etc., you may be using. Switch to another brand of wafer and use no-sting paste instead (if using paste).

I was allergic to both Hollister and alcohol, so I switched to Coloplast and no-sting paste.

No, it doesn't have to be perfectly round. When I first had my stoma, I had to cut an oval shape. So no, it doesn't have to be perfectly round. And if you have jagged edges when you remove the plastic part, they will smooth out. It only feels like they are sharp because of the plastic.

How to Manage Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Great tip for dealing with the skin fungal reaction. I have this a lot and have been basically trying to ignore it. Making it go away would be worth some extra steps. 

To remove excess adhesive, just use a Medical Adhesive Remover Wipe.  No need to do any scraping.