Wound Ostomy

Following your ostomy surgery, it is very important to take good care of your stoma (Wound Ostomy Management), the skin under the ostomy appliances and the surrounding area. Your stoma is an opening in your abdomen and can become infected. The skin under the flange (also called wafer or faceplace) can become irritated from the adhesive and if you don’t apply proper care it can crack and even bleed.

You should learn as much as possible from your ET nurse or from fellow ostomates.

Questions? Ask the members of our site in the ostomy forum.

Stoma care tips:

Keep the area around your stoma clean. Wash it with warm water every time you change your appliance. Before you attach your new appliance dry the skin thoroughly.
Use a flange that fits well around your stoma (not too tight). If the flange opening is not snug enough, stool or urine will leak and irritate (even damage) your skin.
Use skin barrier cream (or flange with built in skin barrier) for additional protection to your skin.
If your skin becomes irritated or damaged call your ET nurse or doctor immediately.

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