Maintaining healthy skin is often simply about checking you are applying and removing your stoma appliance correctly and with the right frequency. The length of time between changes will vary for each individual.
Using the following 'Apply Remove Check' process described here will help ensure you are in the right routine.
Apply
- Make sure the skin is clean and dry before applying.
- The adhesive plate should fit snugly around your ostomy.
- Supporting products, such as rings or a paste, can help you achieve a snug fit.
- Ensure that the adhesive has made full contact with the skin by pressing the adhesive during the application – begin in the area around the stoma, and then move outwards towards the edges.
Remove
- Protect the skin around the ostomy by gently removing the ostomy appliance
- Pull down the removal tab to loosen the adhesive baseplate from the skin.
- Gently remove the adhesive baseplate by rolling it step by step downwards.
- Apply light pressure to your skin with your other hand.
Check
- Wait a few minutes before examining the skin underneath the adhesive baseplate.
- If necessary, use a mirror to check your skin.
- The adhesive baseplate can be checked straight away.
- If you experience one or more of the following signs, it may be because you need to change your appliance more often or use another appliance type:
- Erosion of the adhesive plate.
- Leakage on the baseplate or your skin
- Irritated or discoloured skin
Experiencing skin irritation?
If you see any changes in the appearance and colour of the skin around your ostomy (compared to the skin on the rest of your stomach), you can download our guide to healthy skin in order to detect what might be wrong and what can be done.
