Skin problem and blow outs on bag edge

It's always helpful to say whether you have a colostomy or ileostomy. Also what appliances you are using.

Rash: not my area of concern (so far, thank heavens...there's got to be a couple of problems we don't have) but DuoDerm extra thin dressing applied to the area is supposed to help.

Stool collecting: You may need a different appliance. You could also put some kind of oil in your pouch. I use mineral oil. Google will have a list of the foods you can eat for stool thickening.

Powder specific for redness under and around the pouch followed by barrier spray and/or wipe. A thinner ring worked for us. Did you notice that the ring increases in size? A change to thin ring would better allow everything to flow downwards. These changes may save you extra pouch changes and more comfort. My husband always says that it feels so much better with the new pouch (on a 4 day limit). Good luck.

@lrandall51 Sounds like you are experiencing 'pancaking' near your stoma sight.
Do you gave an ileostomy? I had that same problem in the beginning of my stoma journey. I found applying oil, olive or mineral, around the inside of my pouch helped.
Also if you want to thicken your output peanut butter, mashed potatoes and marshmallows all work.
I only change my pouch every 5 to 6 days unless I form a leak which isn't very often, thankfully.
It takes time, I'm 2 years in and have learned several tricks.

First I'm still a patient of Mayo (Illeostomy), Jacksonville. I take 2 tsp of Metamucil at 0700, 1200, 5PM, and at Bedtime. I also take a Lomotil and a Imodium at 0700 and at bedtime as per their instructions. This helps to firm the stool.
I switched to a Hollister convex pouch #82711 and I use a barrier ring and barrier spray. I still had some leakage around the bottom of the Stoma. I tried using Hollister Stoma Paste on the Barrier Ring and it stopped the leakage. I warm the Ring and Paste just before applying. The most important thing you can do is to wear a belt to keep pressure on the pouch and help hold it tight against your skin. You might have to change pouches every 2 days in order to get the redness under control . I have to change mine every 3 days. Talk with your Stoma nurse and the people at Hollister are always ready to help and send you samples. Stoma powder did not help me with the redness. Warm washcloths held on the Stoma helped a little when I changed my pouch. If the red areas bleed see your Dr. or a Wound Center Dr. (immediately) which are located at most Hospitals.

Hi Irandall51,
I’m sorry you’re having these issues.

As far as the skin issue, is it just around the edges or is it also underneath the appliance? It could be either an allergic reaction or a moisture induced fungal infection. Each are treated differently. Or is the rash only where the stool leaks out from? The suggestions to contact a stoma specialist or your appliance manufacturer are good ones.
As far as stool sticking to the stoma and pancakeing, the above suggestions to use a lubricant as you already are is the best remedy. If your stool thick and pasty? If that why it’s sticking? If so drink more water.

I would stick to natural methods for bulking up your stool, as suggested with bananas, rice, etc. Metamucil is a good otc choice also but ask your md first.

Let us know more about the rash if you would.

Take care.

I find just the opposite the thicker my stool the more it pancakes. I use a coloplast convex closed end disposal pouch. I change it 3 to 4 times a day and wash the area with warm water this seems to keep my skin from rashes and feels much cleaner. I take colace twice a day as suggested by surgeon and this keeps my stool soft enough to not pancake and leak. When my stool pancakes it causes leakage I do use a lubricant It takes me 5 minutes to change my pouch when I tried open ended pouches my barrier never lasted past two days and usually just one so this method works best for me I also take warm baths and soak my stoma which helps

I developed a red rash too and it itched like crazy. I went to see my doc, GP, about it and she said it was a fungus rash. She prescribed me an antibiotic cream to put on it and it got rid of it quickly. I pour soapy water into my bag when cleaning it and rinse with clear water. Then I roll up a paper towel and dry it out inside. Works for me to keep things clean. I hope your issues get better soon!

Thank you so much. I am using baby oil but can switch to mineral if better. I had a colostomy due to constricting on the bowel from radiation.

Thank you for your help. I am trying to firm up my stool with the same OTC meds. How long does it take to heal from surgery? I am 6 weeks out and it still looks raw. My skin is suffering the most….still looking for an osteomyelitis nurse here.

The skin is sensitive under the appliance. Just irritated skin…I itch so I am taking an allergy pill to see if it helps.
Trying to firm up stool now as I think it would be better