Does the barrier fit snug around the stoma?
Your stoma can change in size, so you should measure it regularly to make sure your barrier opening is still the right size.
Tip
Brava® Elastic Barrier Strips (EBS) secure the edges of the barrier to give you added security. You may also want to consider a convex solution for a better fit around your stoma.
Is the skin around your stoma uneven?
If the skin around your stoma is uneven or has bulges, this is a very likely cause of leakage. Even tiny creases can cause output to seep under the ostomy barrier.
Tip
You can either use a moldable ring, or you can smooth out your skin surface by using a Brava strip or tube paste (like the Brava® Tube paste), which can fill in creases and folds to help create an even surface on which to apply your pouch.
When did the leak occur?
Perhaps you were squatting, or bending, or twisting your torso. This should of course not cause leakage, but if it did, it is a sign that your pouch is not following your body movements.
Tip
Brava Elastic Barrier Strips secure the edges of the barrier to give you added security. You may also want to consider a convex solution, for a better fit around your stoma.
Leakage while playing sports or being active
Depending on fit and body shape, some movements might simply be a little too vigorous for the pouch to withstand.
Tip
Elastic Barrier Strips (EBS) could help, but for more strenuous movement an ostomy belt may be the more secure solution, if that is an option for your pouching system.
Is the skin beneath the barrier moist?
This could be a sign of maceration, a skin condition caused by excessive moisture, similar to the pruning that happens to your fingertips after a long bath. If this is the case, the leakage might have happened because the moist skin surface makes it harder for the adhesive to stick.
Tip
Make sure the skin is completely dry before applying a new pouch. Apply gentle pressure around the entire barrier, and you may consider wearing a belt for the first hour to make sure your barrier is adhered to your skin.
Does your ostomy look different?
Leakage could also occur because of more serious complications; some of these would likely cause your stoma or the skin surrounding it to change appearance.
Tip
In this case you should contact your nurse immediately to get the right treatment.
Feel free to contact us, if you wish to sample any Brava products.
