Well at least, thats what I think it is. The skin above my stoma is kinda... eroding. I guess. Been about a month now, and not getting better. And the area where its gone is very very tender. I use stoma powder a bit but it doesn't really do any good that I can tell. Hurts if my cath touches it (during insertion) hurts my pants dig into it (like when I sit down) And it bleeds.
Can I do anything about it?
Is it going to get worse?
Why is it happening?

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katie

Hi Katie...my skin around my stoma gets a diaper type rash and sore (I have alot of mucous so my pad stays wet) if I don't use a thick cream with zinc oxide. I use Secura® Extra Protective Cream (EPC). The stoma powder isn't strong enough for me.

Rubbing Aloe Vera gel (get 100% pure) is a very good skin healer, use it at least three times a day, along with the zinc oxide cream on top.

But, this sounds more serious since it's bleeding and really raw. I would show it to a dr to see if it's infected. They may provide antibiotics for the skin (like cephalexin (Keflex)) or a special cream.

Also, keep it as dry as you can and change the cover pad very often until it heals.

Keep us posted.

Hi Katie,
Sounds familiar like when I was constantly pre/post-op and keeping large damp pads on...I now use folded up klenex on the stoma, in those little packet they are the perfect size, I just fold them over once and they make a 1.5 inch square..they are really absorbant and very easily disposable so I change hourly...keeps me really dry...
First off, driness, second anti-bacteria...meaning if it smells bad it is bad...keep the area really clean but don't use anything alcohol based..it can burn the skin off...then hydrate with something soothing and finally protect..I used a cortisporin type cream on the raw, red bloody patch over my stoma and no tape at all...alternated with good old sunlight or heat/light lamp to dry the area out (used to use them on women with episotomies..worked great! drieds them out so that they heal faster..)
meaning you have to keep it uncovered and exposed to air/sunlight if and when possible...I used to lay in front of the tv with the stoma pad off...
Finally I found a really cool colodial patch..kind of like an oversized blister bandage..water and airproof..they come in sized sheets through your pharmacutical supplier..cut to size and place directly on the clean, dry wound and press for about a minute for best adherence...it can stay on for up to 3-5 days...you can patch or tape over it..change when it starts of fall off..it heals and protects the wound really well...a true lifesaver!
Sharon

Katie...do you mean the your actual stoma has an erosion? I have two about a 1/2 down before the valve. I didn't know I had them except I had some blood around the cath holes then my GI dr did a scope. The kpouch surgeon said that they are wear and tear (after 30 yrs) and not to worry. The GI dr did prescribe suppositories to just insert half way into the stoma while I had to lay and wait to melt (so they wouldn't go past the valve into the pouch and be wasted). I don't know if it worked cuz I haven't been scoped again. But, I do have less bleeding.

Also, does your cath have any rough edges? even the tiniest amount can irritate the stoma. And I would be sure to use the bullet end Marlen (unless you do already) just cuz it's smooth.

I'm thinking the powder could be irritating it more. I'd see the surgeon to see what would help heal it.

Hi guys
Thanks for the help. I am trying putting some heavy-duty cream on it and that does help with the pain. It seems to go through cycles where it looks like its getting better than it looks worse, it hurts, it doesn't hurt and I just know that the time I actually GO see the nurse it'll look fine so on a bad day I took a few picts and I'm gonna email those to the ET Nurse.
It is NOT the actual stoma for which I am very thankful, it is the skin. its eroding away from the stoma and making this unsightly gap that is painful.
I use nursing pads to cover the stoma, i will work on changing them more often to see if less moisture helps too. Its hard though, cause I work 8-9 hours a day. Well if it'll help then its worth it.

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katie

I use Bard's protective film barrier. Just clean around the stoma and spred the clear film barrier all around and let it dry before touching your pad.

Bards

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bodoni,

Well good news
After a week of faithfully putting on the cream and powder every time I changed the pad I can say the erosion is almost completely gone.
Thanks so much for all your input guys you save me missing a day of work and trip to the ET Nurse!
you guys are great!
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katie