Itchy skin

Hi Star10473 

Itchy skin with stomas can drive you crazy, can’t it? We had a recent discussion about sore skin around a stoma and I’ve put the link here so if you click on it you can read what we were chatting about, and a couple of things which helped.

Sore Skin Around Stoma

This might not be the same for you, as you say you have itching but no redness-I’ve at times had very itchy skin, which does make me just want to pull the bag off, but not had the issue of the skin being itchy but not red. For me, it has always looked obvious the skin was sore-sometimes with small amounts of bleeding.

Are you doing anything different in terms of your cleaning routine or have to had any changes to the types of bag you’re using? Sometimes you can get an allergic reaction to the adhesive for example although you can get different bags which are hypoallergenic which can help. Are you having more output than usual which might be irritating your skin or needing to change the bag more regularly than normal? I’m just looking for possible explanations about why this is happening, hence all the questions, as we might be able to help you better if you can share any more detail.

Sarah xx

This may be a fungal infection of the skin. I have this problem and used to think I was allergic to adhesive because of it. 

What works for me is Desonex (the athlete's foot powder... hopefully, you have the same thing or something similar there). Apply a light coating to the skin then dab with barrier wipes. Allow the barrier wipes to dry completely. Then place your ostomy appliance as usual.  

The Desonex treats the fungal infection and stops the itching. Sometimes it takes a couple appliance changes to completely wipe out the itching but it should be better after the first application.  

Full disclosure, this procedure was recommended to me on another ostomy site by a couple of other people who had the same problem.  

I’ve been putting the stoma powder on which seems to help a little. Thought it had stopped itching but it’s starting again. It’s ever since my stoma has changed size and it is now more or less flat to my stomach now so think this is why my bags are bursting out each side. It’s a nightmare cause I have to change both bags as it has marked my other bag. 

Hi Star10473 

You may find a different type of bag might help you if you are having leaking with your bags. Have you spoken to your stoma nurse to get some advice? 

I switched to a convex bag for my urostomy and it was a game changer for me. My urostomy is recessed and my colostomy is flat to my skin.

Sarah xx

Convex bags for my ileostomy were a game changer for me too.my stoma does protrude but the bags prevented any leaks and seem to work brilliantly.

Kath

Yes I’m using my convex bags which my stomach nurse gave me but still seems to come out the sides. 

Are you using a barrier ring? 

Also, a different brand of bags may have deeper convexity. I'm using a light convex on my colostomy and a deep convex on my urostomy.  You may need deep convexity from your description. 

The itching may be caused by the leaks. You'll need to get the leaking under control before you can address the skin properly. 

No I havnt tried the barrier ring. I’ll try this . See how I go 

Also try using barriar wipes over the area your bag fits onto. They help adere the the bag better. Stops leaks too 

The first time yesterday I had no bursts with my bag and no pancaking which I regularly get. All dropped in the bag. Today I changed my bag this morning and had to change again due to bursting again. So annoying