Using Stomahesive Powder for Excoriation

When you have weeping skin or technically called excoriation, here are some tips and inputs you could follow to dry the skin. You have to do this daily.

Put the powder on first then "blow" away the excess (not wipe). This will allow the powder to be absorbed by the skin where required.

It will not affect adhesion.

Then apply the barrier wipe.

When the flange covers the area, the skin heals for several days and when you remove the flange, the excoriation is gone.



Stool excoriation is the most common skin complication. It can lead to redness, weepy bleeding areas, pain, itching, stinging or burning sensations. Skin excoriation is often the result of stool coming into contact with the peristomal skin. Additional factors which may lead to excoriation include chemotherapy, radiation, psoriasis, adverse reaction or side effect to certain medications such as, steroids, antibiotics, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressives. A flush or retracted stoma can lead to stool leakage and excoriation. Poor hygiene, an inappropriate pouching system as well as allergies or sensitivity can also cause skin reactions.

The most common reason for stool irritation is an appliance or flange with an opening that is too large. Too much skin becomes exposed and stool comes in contact with it, causing irritation/erosion. The opening of an appliance/flange should be no more than 1/8 inch (3 to 4 mm) larger than the base of the stoma. This allows for adequate skin protection, but also ensures some "wiggle" room for peristalsis or normal movement of the stoma. The opening should not be snug against the stoma as this can cause a laceration or a cut to the stoma to occur. To ensure that the opening is correct, save the paper or plastic backing of the current appliance and place it over the stoma, ensuring that it is centered over the opening. Look in a mirror and check the gap between the base of the stoma and the edge of the opening. The stoma may need to be moved around (use a tissue and just gently move it from side to side, or up and down) to check all sides. If the opening is too large, then the pattern needs to be adjusted accordingly.

Once the cause of the stool irritation has been identified and corrected, then the actual treatment is quite simple. Using a pectin based powder (e.g. Stomahesive Powder™ or Premium Powder™), sprinkled lightly on the affected area, and then sealed with a skin sealant (e.g., No Sting™ or Skin Prep™) is usually sufficient. Using powder only may prevent the appliance from adhering to the skin, so a sealant is helpful. Usually, if all things are corrected, then healing or resolution should occur by the time the next appliance change is due.

Hop this helps!

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Some Practical Tips and Home Remedies

One can be so despondent and helpless when facing ulcerative colitis. But changes in diet and lifestyle may help control its symptoms and lengthen the time between flare-ups.

Diet
There's no firm evidence that what you eat causes inflammatory bowel disease. However, certain foods and beverages can aggravate your symptoms, especially during a flare-up in your condition. It's a good idea to try eliminating from your diet anything that seems to make your signs and symptoms worse. Here are some suggestions that may help:

* Limit dairy products. If you suspect that you may be lactose intolerant, you may find that diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas improve when you limit or eliminate dairy products. You may be lactose intolerant — that is, your body can't digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy foods. If so, try using an enzyme product, such as Lactaid, to help break down lactose.

Keep in mind that with limiting your dairy intake, you'll need to find other sources of calcium, such as supplements.

* Experiment with fiber. For most people, high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, are the foundation of a healthy diet. But if you have inflammatory bowel disease, fiber may make diarrhea, pain and gas worse. If raw fruits and vegetables bother you, try steaming, baking or stewing them. Check with your doctor before adding significant amounts of fiber to your diet.

* Avoid problem foods. Eliminate any other foods that seem to make your symptoms worse. These may include "gassy" foods, such as beans, cabbage and broccoli, raw fruit juices and fruits, popcorn, alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.

* Eat small meals. You may find that you feel better eating five or six small meals rather than two or three larger ones.

* Drink plenty of liquids. Try to drink plenty of fluids daily. Water is best. Alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine stimulate your intestines and can make diarrhea worse, while carbonated drinks frequently produce gas.

* Make a food journal where you can write the food that helps and does not help. This diary will go a long way.

Stress
Although stress doesn't cause inflammatory bowel disease, it can make your signs and symptoms much worse and may trigger flare-ups. Stressful events can range from minor annoyances to a move, job loss or the death of a loved one.

When you're stressed, your normal digestive process can change, causing your stomach to empty more slowly and secrete more acids. Stress can also speed or slow the passage of intestinal contents. It may also cause changes in intestinal tissue itself.

Although it's not always possible to avoid stress, you can learn ways to help manage it. Some of these include:

* Exercise. Even mild exercise can help reduce stress, relieve depression and normalize bowel function. Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan that's right for you.

* Regular relaxation and breathing exercises. An effective way to cope with stress is to perform relaxation and breathing exercises. You can take classes in yoga and meditation or practice at home using books, CDs or DVDs.

* Other techniques. Set aside time every day for any activity you find relaxing — listening to music, reading, playing computer games or just soaking in a warm bath.

Thanks to UCVlog for the pictures.

Get in touch with CFP (Colostomy Friends of the Philippines) for your questions and other queries.

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