Hi jd310,   ( and welcome)

I have somewhat the same problem. I use the hollister stuff and am a swimmer. I do find that using the hairdryer to dry the bag and wafer is helpful, but not perfect. I also apply more pressure when its dryish and hot . Be sure to dry under the flange and also under the 'cloth' covering. Note.. it is possible to melt the bag under HIGH heat  ( only did the cover thought . melted right through). I also use microfibre towels ( wash rag size... Amazon has them) they seem to help suck up the moisture.  I do think I get less wear time when I swim everyday. We went to Hawaii twice and I also applied those seals that go around the edge of the wafer ( I think coloplast makes them).

As to the skin,

I had an ongoing rash under the wafer. It was not helped by the fungal powder ( Nystatin) so I went to a dermatologist. He thought it was nummilar eczema ( dermatitis). He gave me a prescription for a kind of foamy stuff that doesn't leave any oily residue ( wafer still stucks well).  My rash cleared up in a couple of days and has not returned. This might not be your problem, but if you have ongoing skin issues I would recommend  seeing an actual dermatologist.

P.S. if any of you have better and more ideas I wold love to hear them too. Getting stuff wet and exercise are always kind of a challenge, I guess. I am just glad I am not a mountain climber!

Hi jd310,

Welcome to the forums.

As Dona suggested, I would also recommend seeing a dermatologist (in addition to your stoma nurse) just to make sure there's nothing serious going on (like an allergy).

If you suspect that this irritation is caused by the flange getting wet, you may have some luck by using a special type of wafer extender that essentially covers the entire base of the flange.

I've reviewed two (both are very similar), but there's also another brand called Sure Seals, which may be easier to find depending on where you live.

  https://www.veganostomy.ca/aqua-seal-ostomy-wafer-extender-review

https://www.veganostomy.ca/ostomyessentials-flange-seal-ring-review

As you can see in the photo, these products create a thin barrier that will keep your wafer, and skin around the outside of the wafer, quite dry and protected from the water.

If you can grab samples, it might be worth checking out!

Good luck!

Dona and Eric - thank you both so, so much. I will pursue all of your suggestions.

Yes Dona, the very first time my appliance was removed in the hospital the ET RN asked if I was allergic to tape and mentioned eczema and eventually thought I had a yeast infection.

My father suffered from severe eczema and my son has psoriasis. All auto immune - all perhaps related?

None the less, I will follow both of your suggestions as I continue to learn and adjust.

Thank you again. 

jd310,

My mother also had very bad psoriasis. I often wonder if its related to my UC? There are so many really awful auto immune diseases out there, I feel fortuate to have had a 'curable' one ( even at the cost of having a colectomy).

Good luck with your search for waterproofing!

Hi again jd310,

A word of warning!   I just changed my bag using the hair dryer to dry everything and warm stuff prior to reapplication.

Do BE CAREFUL with the high heat of the dryer near or especially directed onto your stoma. I am afraid it could do damage ( like cook it !!) And, since there are no pain receptors on it it can''t fight back. 

The same goes for general cleaning around it. I have caused it to bleed when hitting it with a fingernail.

That same high heat that melted the outer layer of the Holister bag ( above post), I think could do some damage if you are not careful. I mostly use high heat when bag is already in place.

p.s.  And be really careful if you travel overseas. I went to Spain and the electric current there made my dryer MUCH MUCH hotter. ( my dryer does have a switch to convert to European electricity), But watch out! I think it might have ignited kindling.

and.. ( boy I do go on, sorry). When you go to a dermatologist, take an an extra wafer and whatever you use on your skin. She/He may want to see it and touch it ( mine did). They are often I think not that familiar with us ostomates, being a rare and wonderful type. Be well.

Gotcha - thanks.

Just changed as well and switched to Coloplast Mio. Already feel as if I could jump in the pool and it would quickly dry. My skin not too, too bad today, so I am hoping it is a good time to switch appliances. Heard a lecture that said it takes 5 changes before ones skin adjusts to a new product. Have no idea if that's true or not but today a good day, especially with the added help on line.

Thanks again.

Posted by: jd310

Heard a lecture that said it takes 5 changes before ones skin adjusts to a new product. 

I don't know if there are any exact numbers, but this is why I try products for at least two weeks before doing a product review, and it's the same reason why I encourage people not to give up after their first new appliance change.

Good luck!!

jd31, good luck from me too. And, when you learn something (anything) about the waterproofness PLEASE let me ( us) know. Thanks.