I have a terrible, bleeding sore around part of my stoma. I have seen MANY nurses and been to a few ostomy clinics. The problem is that the sore is really close to the lumen, which is also a right at the level of my skin [loop ileostomy]. I use a convex one-piece appliance [have tried all kinds and 2-piece ones] with an Eakin seal and medical adhesive, also with barrier strips, in addition to using a hernia [small one above my stoma] belt. There has been improvement, but not close to the lumen. I have also used calamine lotion on the skin areas further away from the stoma, letting it dry, which works well with both sealing and healing, though, have not put it on the weeping, bleeding, red, very painful sore next to my lumen. My questions--> Any ideas for that area? [Desperately need suggestions!] I have purchased Marathon, but according to the directions, I had the impression that it is not to be used on an open type of sore similar to the one I have. Have you used Marathon in this manner, on an open, red sore area? If my sore was healed more, I think it might work. Also, I have never heard about using nasal spray. Does anyone have more information about this? Thanks much for all of your suggestions and videos posted. Well-done?

Oh that last post was to Rosemary Purdy, among others Thanks: Margaret

Hi Margaret, 

I am a big fan of marathon. And I have used it on red weepy sore skin without having any trouble. But I didn't remember the instructions saying not to. I guess I should read them again. 😂

I hope you have the same good outcome with the Marathon that I do. 

Did the ostomy nurses have any helpful suggestions for you?  Mine at one time recommended a protective sheet cut to fit around the stoma when my skin was particularly bad. It helped somewhat. I used it in combination with stoma paste. 

I know how miserable sore skin can be and I hope you are able to get it under control soon. 

Hi Margret, Yes I do believe that marathon is not to be used on deeply broken skin. Getting an idea of why the skin is badly broken would be a big start. Is it leakage, wafer cut to snug or to tight or maybe the convex is too deep causing a pressure sore. The hernia belt may be fitting to tightly as well. Stoma powder and barrier spray to crust and build up a dry surface is a great help to healing . Eric suggests leaving the wafer off for a time to give the skin some air time. Measure your stoma, powder and crust and apply a barrier ring. I wouldn’t give up on a stoma nurse helping, keep trying until you get the attention you need go to a Doctor. Nasal spray contains steroid and that’s why it helps, steroid treatments do help but long term use can cause thinning of the skin. Other helpful posts will follow 👍 

Margaret, has anyone suggested using a powder with silver in it? I don’t have skin issues very often, but I do find that silver powder clears it up quickly. It’s expensive, but you only need a small amount.  Best to check with your ostomy nurse - I agree with above comments - don’t give up on getting answers from the experts. Good luck.

Laurie

I am having the same issue. Feels like the stoma is squeezed inside. I dont THINK it is but we'll see what my surgeon says. 6 months post op now. I guess it could be nerve ends acting up? Makes me wince so much so that people are asking if I am alright. Frustrating for sure.

My wife has the same problem and yes, nothing will stick to excoriated skin.  However, I just read about sucralfate powder and it sounds very promising.  In addition to creating a sticky protective barrier, there is real evidence that it has healing properties.  I've yet to check with her doctor, but it doesn't look like it's available in the US.  
https://www.srft.nhs.uk/EasysiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=53326&type=full&servicetype=Inline

@sean Thanks for sharing that, Sean. It does looklike a promising option! 

If anyone is interested in reading more about it, this is an easy to read study that was done on this treatment.  However, you have to register and pay 8 bucks. for the privelidge 
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2230.2000.00711.x

Posted by: @sean

If anyone is interested in reading more about it, this is an easy to read study that was done on this treatment.  However, you have to register and pay 8 bucks. for the privelidge 
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2230.2000.00711.x

For those interested, sometimes private citizens can simply ask the authors for a free copy of the full texts. Being that this is an older study (from 2008), I'm not sure how easy it would be to get in touch with them. 

Ask your stoma nurse if they can share any insight into the use of this product if you are having such problems. 

@veganostomy Thanks for the tip about requesting a copy!

I have been experiencing leaking recently. is it possible certain exercise could causes a loosening of the seal? And could molding the barrier ring around the stoma create a better fit and seal?
Thank you!

Hi Maria,

Yes, some exercises can loosen the seal of your appliance. Sweat can also do that.

Any twisting, tugging, bending, or pulling of the skin (like raising your warms up to do jumping jacks) have the potential to loosen the seal, which you can sometimes notice as the edges of your wafer peeling.

Depending on the appliance used and what exactly is causing the problem, the solution can range from anything to wearing a support belt/garment, using wafer extenders, using a barrier ring, or even simply adjusting your technique.

That said, there are many people who do pretty extreme activities or play sports without much trouble. It can sometimes come down to certain variables being "just right".

Best of luck.

Hi Maria, I tend to change my appliance at 7pm when I get in from work. Reason behind this is I feel it gives things time to settle in and form a good fit while I am just relaxing. The next day I am ready to conquer the World! Well that part maybe mostly in my head 😂 but the appliance is pretty problem free 👍👍

It was never a problem before so I am baffled. The leak is not at the seal of the tape. It is leaking under the barrier ring itself in the "ring" around the stoma. Do you think modeling the barrier ring around the stoma could be more effective? T.Y. for the replies!

That's great glad that helps you

If it’s worked before have a look and think 🤔 what has changed. Weight loss or gain, broken skin etc. Soaps body lotion all can have an effect. Simple is best less is more 

Hello Maria,   Are you describing output actually getting into or past the plastic coupling ring on a (snap-on) two-piece? I have had this! Thought I was the only one .... I think it is because of pancaking, would love to resolve this. It does not happen often - when it does, I think I can smell something and so check with a mirror and, sure enough, on the underside there is oozing of stool (If I am early and lucky enough just a trace) between the snap rings. Am I an unusually poweful pancaker, perhaps? LL

Posted by: @john68

If it’s worked before have a look and think 🤔 what has changed. Weight loss or gain, broken skin etc. Soaps body lotion all can have an effect. Simple is best less is more 

These are definitely factors I would look into more deeply.

Also of concern are the more recent reports of manufacturers changing their product's formulations/materials over the last year.

We've had reports here on the forum about Cymed, Coloplast, and Hollister doing this, so this is also something to keep in mind, especially when nothing else changed.

Posted by: @Maria Zaccaro

It was never a problem before so I am baffled. The leak is not at the seal of the tape. It is leaking under the barrier ring itself in the "ring" around the stoma. Do you think modeling the barrier ring around the stoma could be more effective? T.Y. for the replies!

My experience is that as the stoma changes in size over the day, any herniation behind changing from laying, sitting or standing and body movement the adhesive inside the ring area detaches from the skin allowing output to seep under especially when pancaking occurs, I've tried barrier seal, paste without a good solution. I think its a common problem without a fool proof solution?