Keeping the peristomal skin clean is an important matter and should be handled with care. It is important to keep a watchful eye on the skin after having an ostomy. It is fairly uncommon to have any issues, but it’s important to know what to look for in the chance that issues arise. Keeping the skin clean and healthy is important. If there are any problems you should call your doctor immediately. Some common complications include inflammation, irritation, and discharges.
The peristomal skin is fragile and requires devout attention to be maintained in a healthy manner. The skin should look pinkish or reddish if it’s healthy and clean. Using a mirror can be helpful in checking the skin for any problems or concerns. If the skin becomes very red or irritated then call your doctor right away. If the skin becomes irritated by an irritant touching the skin, there may be bleeding or pain. This is called Irritant Contact Dermatitis. Another potential problem that may arise is Mechanical Irritation. This happens when the skin barrier is removed incorrectly or when cleaning too strongly.
Contact Dermatitis, also known as Allergic Dermatitis, occurs because of an allergic reaction to a certain product. Another potential problem is Folliculitis, which is when small red bumps appear because of an infection. The infection is due to hair follicles, so it is important to not shave your peristomal skin to avoid this from happening. A fungal infection may also arise and will result in a red rash, burning, and itching. It is very important to keep an eye on your peristomal skin and clean it with care to avoid the aforementioned problems from occurring.
When cleaning the peristomal skin, avoiding certain products that may cause harm, irritation, or complications is important. Products with large amounts of oils, moisturizers, and any type of residue should be avoided when cleaning the peristomal skin. There are also some soaps that weaken the skin and cause problems as well. Some people only clean the skin with water because of the complications that may arise from using soap and other cleaning products. If you desire to use soap to clean the peristomal skin, it’s important to find a soap approved for ostomies. Do not use any products that have not been specifically approved for ostomies.
Cleaning the peristomal skin is a fairly simple and easy process. By just using water and a washcloth it can be done effectively. One thing to keep in mind is that the stoma area does not have any nerve endings, so washing with too much force can lead to problems. It is important to be gentle and careful. It is normal for there to be small amounts of blood during cleaning. Excessive bleeding is a cause for concern and your doctor should be notified immediately. Using the right skin barrier that suits your personal needs is important as well. There are also certain skin care accessories that may be suitable for your needs. You should consult your doctor when deciding which skin care accessories to use.
Keeping the peristomal skin clean and healthy is incredibly important. If any questions or concerns arise contact your doctor or nurse for further guidance on the issue. Proper and medical grade supplies will help ensure clean and healthy peristomal skin.
Gastrointestinal Health 