Use of seals/rings - some more questions

Hi Silver Birch,

I have been using a seal for a while in the hope that it helps smooth out  a dip in the skin and also help when the hole size in the pouch is too large. I  use Coloplast Brava seals which come in different sizes and thicknesses. there is an animation video on their site here:

https://www.coloplast.co.uk/brava-protective-seal-en-gb.aspx#section=videos-and-animations_100

I try to get it to fit up to my odd shaped stoma and the video seems to indicate close is ok. Best person to ask if you are unsure about harming your stoma is your stoma nurse though.

I also use a barrier spray which I find helps the skin

Best of luck

Hello crankshaft

Thanks so much for your reply . . . I'll see if I can get a sample of the Brava seals . . . and try those out. I will check in with my stoma nurse next time we catch up.

Which barrier spray do you use? And is it one that's okay on broken skin as well - they seem to vary.

With best wishes.

Hello again

I use Stocare Protect spray, only because that is what the nurse gave to me originally. I haven't had to use it on broken or bleeding skin, just sore skin. Any 'wet' skin round the stoma I use stoma powder which dries it out.

If you are getting your supplies through one NHS provider ( I use Fittleworth) they may be able to help you with samples and more information.

I have had my stoma for eight months now, should have had a reversal by now but held in the Covid queue. During this time I have always been able to call or email the stoma team with any query and have found them very willing to help, rather than waiting for the next appointment.

I'm still learning but we get there in the end!

Cheers

Hello, I use Salts Aloe rings. They do fit closely to the stoma, but can also be stretched a little bit to get a better fit.

Has anyone mentioned calomine  lotion to you? My stoma nurse recommended this to help with sore skin. I apply it and wait for it to be completely dry before putting on the ring. It does help. She also advised changing bags on alternate days so you are not pulling adhesive off the skin every day, but not everyone will be happy to do this for hygiene reasons I guess.

Hello Vetrep

I haven't used the Salts Aloe ones, I will see if I can get a sample.

I have used calamine lotion - and it works brilliantly for me on the skin around the top half and sides of the stoma, but underneath the stoma - even with covering the stoma with a swab to contain the moisture, it is too moist there and the calamine does not seem to dry thorughly enough. In fact, I tried calamine lotion again yesterday - because it is so soothing and the smell is very comforting - however this morning the skin below the stoma had worsened. Which is sad, so I have used stoma powder today.

It's interesting what your stoma nurse recommended with regard to sore skin, as I felt that it would be better to reduce the frequency of changing to limit the 'trauma' to the skin around the stoma. My stoma nurse said the opposite, that changing does not harm or worsen the soreness, and that when it is sore it is better to change more frequently - and she was recommending twice a day if the skin is very sore.

My instinct, though, would be to limit the frequency of bag changes, when dealing with sore skin to allow it to rest and recover. However, if I feel itching I change the bag because it suggests to me that there is some seepage - which could cause further damage to the skin.

It is a bit of a drag as it still has not completely cleared up. But at least it is improving.

Many thanks.