Preventing Peristomal Skin Complications
Common Causes
Skin irritation is most often caused by output leaking under the barrier, incorrect barrier sizing, aggressive adhesive removal, or an allergic reaction to adhesive components.
Daily Skin Care Routine
Clean the peristomal skin with warm water only (avoid soap residue), pat dry thoroughly before applying a new barrier, and consider a skin barrier ring for uneven abdominal contours.
Safe Adhesive Removal
Use a silicone-based adhesive remover spray rather than pulling the pouch away from the skin — this significantly reduces medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI), especially for frequent pouch changes.
Warning Signs
Redness that does not resolve within a day, weeping skin, or a rash extending beyond the barrier area should be assessed by a healthcare professional promptly.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace advice from your stoma care nurse, surgeon, or physician. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific care needs.