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Absorbency and enzyme inhibition for ostomy seals
Nurses around the world have reflected on complications experienced by ostomates and have reported that the majority of people living with a stoma experience peristomal skin problems. Leaks are still a highly common area of concern for ostomates with 93% of ostomates continue to worry about leaks occurring.1
And the worry can be justified as one quality of life survey of over 4000 ostomates showed 75% of respondents suffered from peristomal skin complications and 81% had experienced a leak within the last 6 months.2
Leaks and the outcome of moisture associated skin damage (MASD) can impact an ostomates daily life, either as a psychological factor, with anxiety around leaks occurring or an actual leak occurring potentially causing frustration and upset as well as peristomal skin damage. Both can affect an ostomate’s confidence in their daily lives.
So what can be done?
An absorptive ostomy seal wicks moisture away, instead of deflecting it. It absorbs stomal output meaning it will not come into contact with peristomal skin. The importance of absorption in an ostomy seal is supported by Voegeli (2012), who discussed the necessity of a product to ‘wick moisture away from at-risk skin’ to prevent MASD.3
Simply, Absorbency Matters Most in preventing skin damage and stopping leaks. A seal that absorbs effectively stops output from reaching peristomal skin and therefore protects the skin from damage or irritation.
eakin® conducted in-vitro testing to determine the absorptive properties of some of the market leading ostomy seals and filmed the results – click the video in the clinical resources below to see the comparison.
In addition, alongside the detrimental effect of the moisture content of faecal output, the enzymes (elastase and lipase) contained within the output have also been shown to cause damage to peristomal skin. For that reason enzyme inhibition is a further important factor for ostomy seals and a higher enzyme inhibition will mean the seal is able to protect peristomal skin to a greater level.
Clinical Resources
Watch our video which shows the differing absorption rate of current ostomy seals available.
Read how the absorbency of an ostomy seal can help to reduce instances of peristomal skin complications, alongside other tangible clinical benefits.
View the results of the research into why absorbency matters most when choosing an ostomy seal.
References:
1. Voegeli, D., Moisture-associated skin damage: aetiology, prevention and treatment. Br J. Nurs. 2012:21(9):517-520
2. Salvadena G, Cowell J, Skountrianos G, Pittman J, (2020) Lessons Learned About Peristomal Skin Complications. Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2020;47(4):357-363
3. Coloplast Ostomy Forums 2015/16. Ostomy Life Study
Product choice
We have a wide range of pouches, seals and accessories to support your patients following discharge. If you would like samples, please contact your local rep.
