Adjusting Colostomy Bag Size and Managing Skin Issues

Hi,

My wife 'colostomy seems to be increasing in size and is closely approaching the maximum size of her bag.



How critical is the hole size? to date we have been cutting about 1/4 inch bigger than the stoma.



do any members cut smaller that the total stoma, meaning the bag would be partly attached to the red area not the white skin area?



are there any creams that can be used on the red area edges (she gets minor bleeding) that can be bought over the counter ( we were told baby nappy/diaper rash cream) but the skin is broken in the bleed area.



lastly, any members in the Daytona to Jacksonville areas?, or support groups?



S&K Palm Coast

The bag should be cut to the size of the stoma.  When cutting don't increase, it should fit snug against the stoma, if it is cut even 1/8 inch larger it can cause a rash.  I have had my colostomy for almost 10 years and have never had any type of rash.

The hole size is very critical.  

Your wives stoma should be measured up and down and side to side to get a perfect fit.