Signs of appliance allergies?

It happens to me too when I eat yogurt or too much sugar. My output becomes very thin and I guess the acidity causes the sting. It never burns when my stool is thick.

If you are allergic to the appliance, you'll get red, irritated skin everywhere the appliance touches, not just in one spot. If you cut the wafer carefully, it should not be an issue. But, some are allergic to the wafer adhesive too. Then it is obvious...

You may want to avoid the skin prep, and maybe even the powder. Eaken seals are a good alternative and I hear less about peristomal irritation.

Jan

It sounds like stool is getting under your wafer and irritating the area around your stoma - this was happening to me until I found the system that works best.

I make sure my skin is clean and very dry, then I apply stoma powder where there is the redness. Dab off any excess powder to make sure your adhesive sticks correctly. Then apply a barrier (there are sting free pastes or a cohesive seal - like the Eakin or Adapt. Coloplast also has a Brava line with seals). Call manufacturers for as many samples as you can get - I called Coloplast, ConvaTec and Hollister as soon as I was discharged from the hospital and got a ton of supplies.

On top of the barrier ring I use a light convex flange - my stoma likes to shrink down and hide. Is your stoma flush to the skin, or does it stick out a bit? That will also make a difference. After two changes using the Eakin ring and convex flange all of my skin issues have cleared up. I can go 5 or 6 days between changes.

Your skin could also be sensitive because of your chemotherapy - do you have a wound/ostomy nurse you could contact for help?

I hope you can find something to help

I became so allergic to all the adhesive products that I'd spend a lot of time in the shower with a bottle of Maalox. It did provide relief when I spread it over the inflamed itchy red area - a big square. I had to change my appliance at least once a day, it was so painful and itchy.

I tried everything and even went to the dermatologist and in the end there was nothing I could do but pray for my take-down to come fast. I wish you all the luck in the world!!

Thanks all. I eventually had to hit the ER and my favorite WOC Nurse was right on the job. She claims it's a minor fungus issue. Gave me some powder Nyaststin(I think) things seem a little better. Still waiting on my precut order to start.