Rash/broken skin around stoma

[jrr773]

Hi

I've had Crohn's since I was 9 and an ileostomy the same year (1988). Last year I had surgery for strictureplasties and my ileostomy was reset. Since then I've had a problem of frequent rashes and broken skin around the stoma site and haven't found the Orahesive powder particularly helpful in clearing it up. My stoma nurse has a product from Spain which is not available from pharmacies here in the UK which she says is very helpful. It is called Mercromina Film and is produced by Lainco. Has anyone here used this, and is it available in North America? It is a pink solution in a dark glass medicine bottle.

If there are other creams, powders or liquids which help I would appreciate any advice.

Many thanks - thanks to Terriernut for pointing me to this forum too. I use barrier rings but this is still a problem.

 

[Terriernut]

I've not heard of it, but if I'm not mistaken, that looks like mercury. Awhile back CDDad mentioned something about mercury sticks that the stoma nurses used on him...I think.

A thought, how about your supplier? Would they know where to source this product?

How about sitz baths as well to help? I use a stoma powder with aloe in it that works quite well too.

Can you tell us ALL about what you use, how often you change, etc., etc.,?? Maybe that would help us to help you?

 

[Anthonyx07]

just a couple days ago the skin around my stoma was very very red and raw. it was always itchy so I switched to the two piece convex hollister bag and did some crusting and it pretty much healed in 24 hours. If you aren't already using a convex bag I would recommend it, I find that it is much better then the one piece flat bag. Of course you may already be using the convex bag.

As Terriernut said, please post all of the equipment you use

 

[cecilialynn]

OK so what is crusting?????

 

[Terriernut]

I dont 'crust' exactly. But it's spray, powder, spray, powder from my understanding.

 

[jrr773]

Hi - sorry for the delay in responding. I use a Dansac Novalife one piece Maxi bag which I cut to size. I also use Dansac GX-tra Seal 40ml which I sometimes shape around the stoma, and stomahesive paste for added adhesion. I also use Orahesive powder and Orabase gel (the latter largely for when I had an abscess drained and was left with an indentation once packing had stopped).

I think the issue is the stoma was deliberately left 'loose' due to my issues with stricture scarring around the bowel. The upshot is my stoma acts in a concertina fashion and can be either 2 or 3 inches in length or nearly flush to the skin. Similarly, the shape and size varies dramatically to the point where I don't pre-cut the flange, and I either cut the seal and wrap around or place it on as is - there's at least a 5ml difference in stoma diameter. I think the upshot is there will always be an issue with waste getting between the seals so daily changes are the norm (my old bags lasted 3-4 days).

I'm really surprised there are so few and frankly pretty poor products on the market for rashy and broken skin. The powder and gel both don't help the seal or bag stick to the skin and the last week or so I've avoided each, and tend to fit the bag to seal off a bad area (although this seems to just mean another area is then a little loosely fitted and the broken skin occurs at another area around the stoma).

Terriernut - I do take salt baths, every other day usually. Is mercury safe?? Not sure about that. Here is a link to the product I was told about by my stoma nurse if any Spanish speakers can help with the ingredient list (Ficha Completa tab I think). Sounds like an antiseptic liquid:


Anthony07 - I don't know the convex bag but from a picture it looks like the seal is effectively built in. What spray do you use to 'crust', assuming the powder is the orahesive type?

 

[Terriernut]

http://www.vademecum.es/medicamento-...co_ficha_18553
This is the link for that product.

 

[Spooky1]

hi don't know if it helps but my mum uses Cavilon. i also get this for my sore bum
don't know what it is in america though, perhaps look it up, its just a clear liquid that you put on sore areas and it creates a 'film/barrier'. mums gets really sore too. my bum is but i just don't look at it, lol good luck with finding something

 

[Terriernut]

http://www.convatec.co.uk/engb/cvtu...tml?franchise=46&typesearch=184&prodfamily=84

The convatec mouldable might help? I personally tried them, but it wouldnt stick to my skin. Then again, the parastomal hernia I had pretty much made sure NOTHING worked on me anyway! Some folks swear by these, some swear at them. But, it's worth a try with the issues you are having.

I also use Salts Barrier Rings as they are really mouldable. What kind of barrier rings are you using?

As for the product you were speaking of from Spain, it looks interesting, but my spanish is VERY rusty. Your id says you are in London, not the USA. If you are in London, I would ring the company in Spain and ask for them to send you some. If in the USA, I'd do the same...just watch the time zones! Just ask for someone who speaks English. No habla Espanol! And ask for help in English.

 

[jrr773]

I'm in London but I'm going on holiday next week to Canada - it was a long shot but I thought someone here might recognise the product and be available there, hence the N America reference. I've also asked a workmate to try and get some from Spain - it doesn't sound particularly specialised.

I use Dansac GX-tra Seal rings which took some getting used to as they're sticky on both sides but are okay - easily mouldable.

 

[Terriernut]

With the problems you've got with your stoma, I sure would be calling all the manufacturers asking for advice and samples. Remember, the folks on the phones there are all ostomates themselves.

You could try the product I recommended. Lostnut swears by them, and she had alot of similar problems, as well as a draining fistula by her stoma to add insult to injury.

If your stoma nurse isnt offering other products, do remember that alot of stoma nurses have contracts with certain manufactuers! My stoma nurse is contracted to Dansac as well! I think you will find ringing the manufacturers direct, and explaining your issues will get you the help you need. Bear in mind they are medical manufacturers, and make all sorts of things.
Misty

 

[kzambuto]

what helped me with issues was putting a moisture protective wipe on prior to adhering the bag on. I strickly use 3m no sting wipe. I had a pretty deep ulcer from the leakage, but when it finally went away with having it cortozoned and a burn cream the surgeon gave me I keep that skin protected at all times. Since then no issues with the ulcers. I also have a aloe wipe product they sell for the really red skin that is irritated, that seems to help as well.

 

[jrr773]

That sounds awful kzambuto - glad it's improving. I got a friend to send the Mercromina Film from Spain and it arrived yesterday. I'll let you guys know if its worth using but I have to say using the adhesive rings and daily pouch changes seem to have helped and the skin around the stoma is much better than it was.

 

[Terriernut]

That sounds awful kzambuto - glad it's improving. I got a friend to send the Mercromina Film from Spain and it arrived yesterday. I'll let you guys know if its worth using but I have to say using the adhesive rings and daily pouch changes seem to have helped and the skin around the stoma is much better than it was.

I'm VERY happy to hear its better, and that you were able to get that product. Hope it works for you! All digits crossed.