Skin irritation around a stoma (peristomal skin) is one of the most common challenges for people living with a stoma. Whether you are experiencing soreness, itching, redness or skin breakdown, understanding why is the first step to finding the right solution.
In this page, we will cover the main causes of peristomal skin irritation, how to care for skin around your stoma, and which products can help prevent and treat common skin problems.
Peristomal skin is the area of skin surrounding the stoma. Because this skin is in close contact with the stoma bag, adhesive and, potentially, stoma output, it can be more prone to irritation, soreness and breakdown than other areas of the body.
Peristomal skin irritation can present as redness, itching, soreness or visible skin damage. It is a common experience for stoma patients, but it doesn’t mean you have to tolerate it. In most cases, sore skin can be managed effectively with the right care routine and products.
Having a stoma doesn’t mean your skin will be irritated, some people experience very little skin irritation.
Skin irritation around your stoma can be happen for a variety of reasons, including:
Output on the skin is one of the most common causes of skin irritation. Output (pee or poo from your stoma bag) can be damaging when it comes into contact with the skin. This prolonged exposure to moisture can cause skin to break down, making it sore and irritated, this is known as moisture-associated skin damage (MASD).
Repeated, or incorrect application and removal of your stoma bag may also cause medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs). This can leave the skin sore and may make wearing a stoma bag uncomfortable. Understanding how to change a stoma bag to minimise skin damage is an important part of everyday stoma care.
If your stoma bag doesn’t fit properly, you are more likely to experience leaks under your flange, leading to sore skin around your stoma. It’s important to measure your stoma regularly to ensure your stoma bag is cut to the right size and fits securely. You may want to check that you are using the right stoma bag, as the type of bag you use can affect both security and the condition of your skin. Learning how to choose the right stoma bag can help you make a more informed choice. At CliniMed, we offer a free sampling service so you can test and compare stoma bags and accessories to find what works for you.
You can experience sore skin because of the adhesive itself, especially if you have sensitive skin or a skin conditions like eczema. You may find that your skin is red, itchy or sore when taking your stoma bag off.
Use these steps to reduce the risk of skin damage occurring:
Make sure you’re using the right stoma bag for your needs – compare different stoma bags with our free sampling service.
Measure your stoma regularly to make sure you are using a correctly-sized stoma bag.
Use the clean and dry method when changing your bag – clean with warm water, avoiding harsh soaps and pat the area completely dry.
Use a medical adhesive remover to help you remove your stoma bag gently, without pulling or irritating the skin.
Use a skin barrier spray or barrier film wipes before applying your bag to help shield the skin from the effects of moisture and adhesives.
Empty/change your bag when it feels bulky, or when it is around one third full to avoid leaks.
Use a flange extender or a mouldable stoma seal to help with bag security and reduce the risk of leaks.
Use these steps to sooth sore skin and reduce the risk of further skin irritation:
Use a barrier product to minimise the contact of adhesive on your skin. For mild skin, you can use a spray or wipe. If you have severe irritation, use a spray to avoid rubbing the skin.
Explore different additives in stoma products. The CliniMed range of stoma bags and accessories contain Manuka honey which can help protect the skin around your stoma.
If you have severe skin irritation, opt for a medical adhesive remover spray instead of a wipe to avoid disturbing the skin or causing friction.
Speak to your Stoma Care Nurse. They can help you identify what may be causing your sore skin and recommend products or techniques to help improve the condition of your skin.
Answer three short, visual questions about your skin and bag changing routine and get personalised recommendations based on your responses!
We will share tailored results, including skin-friendly products, tips for managing leaks and expert advice on how to change your stoma bag.
The Manuka honey hydrocolloid uses natural ingredients and absorbs moisture.
This may help protect the skin around your stoma and lower the risk of soreness and skin damage.
This product will help you remove your stoma bag easily, preventing skin stripping and damage. Choose from wipes, a non-fragranced spray or a mint fragranced spray.
The CliniShield Advance Barrier Film creates a protective layer on the skin, helping to minimise the skins contact with output or adhesive. Available in spray or wipe format.
There are various reasons the skin around your stoma could be irritated. It could be as simple as how you apply and remove your bag, or an allergic reaction to your adhesive.
Try and change different parts of your routine, or stoma products to help you identify what could be causing the issue. Alternatively, speak to your Stoma Care Nurse. They will be able to give advice and help you identify what could be causing soreness.
Sore skin around your stoma can have several causes, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to treating it.
Sometimes the issue may be related to an incorrectly sized bag, which can be fixed by measuring your stoma and adjusting the fit. Your Stoma Care Nurse can help determine the cause and advise on the best products or changes to support your skin.
Itchy skin around your stoma could be a result of a few things. Some of the main causes of itchiness and irritation are leaks on the skin, sensitivity to adhesives or moisture. It could also be a combination of a few factors.
If you are experiencing itchy skin a lot, speak with your Stoma Care Nurse for advice and support.
Yes. You can use a barrier cream but generally it isn’t recommended under your stoma bag. A barrier cream is a thicker, more moisturising consistency which can affect how well your bag sticks to your skin. Instead, use a barrier film spray or wipe on the skin under your stoma bag as this will be quick-drying and won’t interfere with adhesive on your pouch.
There is no ‘best’ cream for peristomal skin as this will vary from person to person. However, a cream that is moisturising as well as protecting is a good option. At CliniMed, we have a protective barrier cream that protects provides waterproof protection for up to 24 hours.
However, a barrier film may be a better option for people with a stoma as a wipe or spray is less likely to interfere with the stickiness of your stoma bag.
Skin breakdown can’t be completely avoided, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. One of the main causes of skin breakdown is leaks, a mouldable stoma seal, flange extender and wearing a correctly-sized bag can all help with this.
Sore skin can also be caused by removing your stoma bag. You can minimise damaging the skin by using a medical adhesive remover, barrier film product and making sure the skin around your stoma is completely dry.
You should seek advice from your Stoma Care Nurse if:
Learn how to measure your stoma and cut your stoma bag to achieve the best possible fit.
Find out how mouldable stoma seals can help protect your skin, prevent leaks, and improve the fit of your stoma bag.
Find out how to change a stoma bag and what you’ll need to do so with this step-by-step guide.
Discover how stoma flange extenders can improve adhesion, add security and prevent leaks around your stoma bag.
