{"id":14812,"date":"2021-02-02T09:33:10","date_gmt":"2021-02-02T09:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abiggerlife.com\/?post_type=carers&p=14812"},"modified":"2021-03-09T15:36:31","modified_gmt":"2021-03-09T15:36:31","slug":"evaluating-the-skin-around-the-stoma-to-identify-any-potential-problems","status":"publish","type":"carers","link":"https:\/\/abiggerlife.com\/carers\/evaluating-the-skin-around-the-stoma-to-identify-any-potential-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"Evaluating the skin around the stoma to identify any potential problems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Managing the peristomal skin, or the skin around the stoma is probably the most important thing to ensure you have a good stoma care routine for the person you are caring for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is good peristomal skin?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The skin around the stoma should look like the rest of the skin on the abdomen, there shouldn\u2019t be any breaks, rash or discomfort experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin breaking down.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common problems that people complain about is that the skin around the stoma breaks down and\/or feels itchy or painful.  Whenever you do experience this contact the stoma care nurse or doctor to ask for advice. It is important to identify the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin surrounding the stoma<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The peristomal skin is the skin immediately next to the stoma and underneath the entire pouch adhesive. It is common for this area of skin to become red, sore, or itchy particularly within the early days or weeks however with the appropriate assessment this can be rectified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few reasons why this could happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Pouch has been cut too big<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    One of the main reasons is that the pouch hole has been cut too big and the some of the skin has been exposed to the effluent which causes this area of skin to breakdown. The stoma usually decreases in size over the initial 6-8 weeks after surgery and it is important to measure the stoma and cut the pouch hole accordingly at this early stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to prevent this from happening:<\/strong> Make sure the size of the pouch hole is cut out to exactly the shape and size of the stoma. Most manufacturers will provide a measuring guide inside the box of pouches. If you have difficulty doing that, contact the stoma care nurse and ask to have the stoma measured and sized. There are certain pharmacies or certain deliveries services that will cut the pouch out to the exact shape and size. Many of the manufacturer companies have pre-cut pouches that might suit you and the local stoma care nurse can help with appropriate code number for ordering these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Pouch leakage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If leakage or broken skin is an ongoing problem, it is important to speak to the local stoma care nurse. Perhaps the stoma is retracted or coming in and back out again, maybe that is what is causing irritation on the skin. You might need to think about an accessory product or even an alternative pouch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to prevent this from happening:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n