Hello everyone, the past couple of days (3-4 days to be exact), I started having bad itching and soreness around my stomach. I found out I have a fungal infection. They said that by me being so anemic, this can happen. They have me doing a crusted technique. But the itching, OMG, is horrible. Any added suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Denise
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 39,615 members.
But, it's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.
Many come here for advice, others find lasting friendships, and some have even found love.
🛑 Privacy is very important - there are many features only visible to members.
39,615 members
What kind of powder are you using? I had kind of the same thing going on after I tapered off of prednisone at the first of the year. I think I had an allergy to the adhesive on the wafers I was using. My doctor prescribed me Nystatin powder, which helped with the itch and the weepiness of the skin. Since then I haven't used powder of any kind very much.
Sasquatch's reply is very good and right on...
I am very allergic to some of the adhesives which was a problem until that was resolved.
I did find a way of getting the healing of the skin to speed up. I left the stoma open while laying flat in the tub in a few inches of really warm water. I flooded the stoma area with the water and let it evaporate several times for about an hour. It really moved things along - I am very careful to immediately remove a bag if it itches -- that is a guarantee there is a problem that needs to be addressed. I do know that for me I was not cutting the bag opening small enough for awhile as I had reduced in size just enough that the base was getting attacked by acid. I healed and then a specialist had me change to the convex pouch which miraculously was the end of the issue at least for now -- what a relief!!
Ditto on the Nystatin powder or I think it goes by Nustop. Also, a few holistic people in my area take a tablespoon of raw honey every day to be proactive from the inside out......
Hello, thanks for responding. My stoma nurse switched me to a fungal powder to use for 2 weeks. But I'm still questioning if I'm allergic to the adhesive. I use Hollister 2 piece.
I'm also using the Hollister two-piece, but I've had much better luck with the tapeless wafers. I found it was the border that irritated my skin. I also have the same problem with band-aids sometimes. It was recommended to me to have a skin patch test done, but I didn't bother to once I figured out what works for me.
Hello, thanks for responding. My stoma nurse put me on a fungal powder for 2 weeks and told me to keep changing it every 3rd day. I also use the 2-piece system by Hollister. Thanks so much for the tip.
Try ConvaTec SureFit 2-piece. They will send a sample and talk to you on the phone.
After 12 years without issue, the taped area under my Hollister flanges has developed what I'm pretty sure is a fungal infection (maybe an allergy?). I've been using nystatin powder, but it hasn't fully resolved. (I'm also severely immunocompromised from a liver transplant.) The ostomy nurse wants me to try the no-tape flanges. I'm kind of concerned about how well they will hold up when I'm exercising or swimming. Is there anyone with experience able to speak to that?
