Sore skin around stoma

Hi Moira

You are really going through it, aren’t you? I always recommend the same simple thing which I’ve found most helpful. Put some calamine lotion on a cotton pad (I just use make up remover pads) and wipe gently over the skin. Leave to dry completely, or dry with a hairdryer on a cool setting not held too close. 

Make sure everything is completely dry before putting your bag back on. That’s sorted out my sore skin very quickly on numerous occasions and it’s very soothing. Being a lotion, it is easy to apply and better than Sudocreme for sore skin for me-it’s not thick or claggy. 

Hope this might help you out-it’s worth a try.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,

Thank you so much, I'll try this, because, as you say, Sudocrem is  very claggy!

I've had a heck of a few weeks but I've finally got an appointment with my consultant! My colorectal nurse has been marvellous, she's had me taking all sorts of laxatives and phoned to support me every few days! She thinks it's been a blockage or a partial one anyway! At last it seems to be clearing, fingers crossed anyway! I definitely don't want to have to have it surgically removed!

Thanks again for your help Sarah,

Moira xx

Hello Three,

I suffered from this a couple of years ago, with red raw skin that was weeping, and my stoma nurse gave me a small canister of Medi Derma-S Total Barrier Film (in a pump spray rather than a gas aerosol). It worked and I keep it for just in case. Coincidentally, I had the sore/sensitive skin problem yesterday and applied it: it worked well and doesn't interfere with the adhesive on the stoma pouch. It is still the original canister and not much is needed per application.

Dulac

Hi Dulac,

I don't see a stoma nurse now unfortunately, I've asked over and over but apparently I have to have my consultant to request it as I've been discharged! I do have a barrier spray but I've been scared to use it incase it stings! At the moment I am trying Sarah's tip of calamine lotion but I'll certainly give it a go! Thanks a lot for the tip!

Moira x

Hello Moira,

The label on mine states "non-sting" and it doesn't. 

Dulac 

Hi Moira

I have a stoma nurse available to me via my stoma supply company-I can ask for an annual review with them, and also they can make a decision on changes to my prescription. Do you not have such a service? Alternatively, lots of companies are happy to send out free samples on request-another service I’ve used multiple times! How are you getting on with the calamine? 

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah, 

What a great service, mine doesn't offer that but, after being with them for 4 years, I'm nervous about changing! I took your advice about the Calamine and it seems to be working, slowly! I'm still sore though, especially when I bend!

I'll be relieved when I see the consultant, I've still got those lumps coming and going! The colorectal nurse assures me it's nothing sinister but I still worry! I had CT scans in the beginning that didn't show that I had cancer! It took a year and 1 visit to consultant before finally being diagnosed!

I've sent for a few few samples, like you said, hopefully something that might prevent it happening again in future!

Moira xx

Hi Moira I was exactly the same, I had really bad diarrhoea after taking antidepressant medication. The skin became really sore, I had 1 area of broken skin and I was in agony each time I cleaned and replaced the bag. I found that Derma S works well with the area that is sore. I’m still learning each day about my stoma even after surgery last August. I hope you feel better soon. 

phil x

Hi CardiffPhil 

Thanks for your recommendation of a helpful product! Even us “old timers” appreciate learning something new, so it’s good to know you have found a product that’s useful. How are you getting on generally since your surgery? I hope everything’s going well for you.

Sarah xx

I had keyhole surgery first but it went completely wrong and 48 hours I had sepsis and needed open surgery. I am a nurse assistant and am used to dealing with other people’s illnesses but mine I haven’t been that good with. Currently having therapy (which helps a lot) and regular antidepressants. Having my stoma bag saved my life but it’s taking me a while to answer yes to people who tell me I’m lucky to be alive and I should feel grateful. My body and mind has changed dramatically and it is harder than I thought. Thank you Sarah for asking and I agree us “old timers” learn new things every day xx