Red or sore skin

Red or sore skin around your stoma is usually caused by leakage from your pouch and the output from your stoma getting underneath the appliance and onto your skin. It is important to regularly evaluate the skin around your stoma. Select the problem that you may be experiencing below to get a solution to help solve the issue.

At the edge of appliance

Frequent changes without using an adhesive remover spray can cause skin damage to the outer edge of the pouch. This is called skin stripping. This can cause the edge to lift which can reduce the wear time of the pouch. Click for recommendations to help prevent sore skin at the edge of your appliance .

Large area of sore or broken skin

Larger areas of sore or broken skin can be due to skin conditions such as psoriasis or dermatitis. This can prevent the pouch from sticking securely which can cause the pouch to leak contributing to further skin damage. Click for recommendations to help prevent a large area of sore skin.

Immediately next to your stoma

The shape and size of your stoma changes within the first 6-8 weeks. Beyond this time other factors such as weight loss and weight gain can contribute to sore skin. These changes can lead to skin damage if the pouch is not cut to the most accurate size. Click for recommendations to help prevent sore skin next to the stoma.

Do you need some

help & advice?

Do you need some help & advice?

We have created a range of articles to help new ostomates come to terms with the situation they are facing. They offer help and advice on topics such as preparing for surgery, applying an ostomy pouch, diet and lifestyle issues.