Hi Rosie13 He needs to check that the seal is good around his stoma and he’s not getting any leakage especially if he’s lying down a lot. I used bags that I think were by Salts which had aloe Vera extract? He could also ask his stoma nurse for some powder which can be applied to help with irritation but it needs to be used sparingly otherwise the bag doesn’t stick very well. You could post this onto the stoma board too for advice?
Just to second Ally - I use Welland bags and Coloplast spray to remove the bags. I make sure to spray the skin under the bag with the latter (as well as the bag collar ) when washing during the bag change as the adhesive can remain there and keep irritating the skin and the spray helps it come off with cold water & wipes.
Just after my operation, my local stoma nurse changed my bag to one that gave me a big rash - itchy and sore even though I told her the hospital had done a patch test because I have lots of allergies and selected the Welland bags. She also substituted different sprays and wipes. We quickly changed back.
I was told not to use steroid ointment that I have for allergies on the rash as that stops the bags sticking. But the stoma nurses at my hospital told me to use steroid hair lotion instead (Betacap I think it is) - needs a prescription. I already use it for dermatitis on my head but get a separate bottle for around the stoma. I apply it using a baby bud to keep it as clean as possible.
Another Stoma nurse said to use calomine lotion, which also worked Ok on the rash but again you have to wait for it to dry.
I have a urostomy and need convex bags to make sure there is less chance of leakage which also irritates my skin. I hold the bag against my skin while getting things ready for the change and once it is attached I press it gently for 2 minutes to make sure it sticks OK. Since doing all the above my skin is better but will never look normal sadly. I also change every 2 days instead of daily as the skin can be damaged if changed too often. Of course you may be talking about other types of stoma that can't be emptied.
