Antibiotic Side Effects

Antibiotic Side Effects

Many times ostomates who must take powerful antibiotics suddenly find they have itching and
burning under their pouches and have poor pouch adhesion. A side effect of antibiotic therapy can be
a yeast infection on the skin around the stoma. You may hear health professionals call this monilia.

At first it may appear as tiny white pimples, but in a few days it is a red rash. This is caused by the
antibiotic killing some normal bacteria in the body as well as the bacteria causing infection or illness.

At the same time you may also notice sores in your mouth, diarrhea, and a similar rash on the perineal area.

Contact your doctor for a prescription of mycostatin or nystatin powder. Put the powder directly on the irritated area. Apply a coat of silicone skin barrier such as Skin Prep or Bard Pro- tective Skin Barrier,

Let this dry!!! Apply your pouching system as usual. Eating foods such as yogurt or drinking
buttermilk helps to replace some of the normal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

(Edited by B. Brewer, 12/2011 UOAA Update)

Tips on How to Avoid Leakages #2

Too Infrequent Emptying:
Pouches should be emptied before they become half full. If they are allowed to overfill, the weight of
the affluent may break the seal and cause leakage.

Extremely High Temperatures:
Wafer melt-out may cause leakage in warm weather. More frequent changes will prevent this.

Pouch Wear and Tear:
Disposable wafers do wear out. If you are stretching your wear time, leakage may be due to the wafer
wearing out. Change your appliance more frequently.

Improperly Stored Appliance and Ageing Materials:
Store your ostomy supplies in a cool dry place, humidity may affect your pouch adhesive. Appliances don’t last forever. However, you can use expired appliances without damage to the peristomal skin.