Common Ostomy Issues and How Accessories or Supporting Products Can Solve Them

Living with an ostomy can bring a unique set of challenges that affect day-to-day comfort, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. From skin irritation and bag leaks to discomfort during movement, these issues can create stress not just for the individual but also for those who care about them. The constant worry about leaks, skin irritation, and bag detachment can leave both the ostomate and their loved ones feeling helpless.

However, the right solutions for common ostomy issues, such as specialized accessories or supporting products, can make a significant difference. Designed to improve fit, enhance comfort, and reduce complications, these products help ostomates feel more secure and regain confidence. With proper care and the right tools, living well with an ostomy is entirely possible.

Common Ostomy Issues & Possible Solutions

Here are some commonly faced issues by ostomates and thee ostomy complication remedies. Multiple ostomy accessories or supporting products can help relieve these issues, but always consult your doctor or an ostomy nurse before choosing a suitable product.

A. Leakage and Poor Adhesion

Leakage and poor adhesion often result from improperly fitting bags, sweating, or uneven skin contours. These issues can cause discomfort and anxiety for the ostomate. Research indicates that 76% of individuals with a stoma experience leakage of stomal effluent underneath the baseplate at least once a month, and 65% report leakage onto clothes at least once within the previous year.

Solutions:

• Paste: Fills in skin creases and helps secure a better seal around the stoma.
  • Brava® Paste (Product Code: 12050): Brava® Paste helps fill in skin creases, creating a smoother surface for the ostomy appliance to adhere to, thereby reducing the risk of leakage. Its alcohol-free formula ensures a sting-free application, making it gentle on sensitive skin.
• Mouldable Rings: These offer a flexible seal that adapts to the body shape and enhances bag adhesion.
  • Brava® Mouldable Ring (Product Code: 12030 - 2mm, 12042 - 4.2mm): Brava® Mouldable Rings provide a flexible seal that adapts to individual body shapes, enhancing bag adhesion and minimizing leakage. Available in two thicknesses to suit different needs.
• Elastic Tape: Provides added reinforcement around the skin barrier or baseplate, reducing the risk of peeling and leaks.
  • Brava® Elastic Tape (Product Code: 12070, 12072): Brava® Elastic Tape secures the position of the baseplate, providing extra support and reducing the risk of edges lifting. Its elasticity allows it to move with the body, enhancing comfort and wear time.

B. Skin Irritation

Prolonged exposure to output or adhesives can lead to skin irritation, redness, or even breakdown of the peristomal skin.

Solutions:

• Ostomy Powder: Absorbs excess moisture and helps prevent irritation.
  • Brava® Ostomy Powder (Product Code: 01907): Brava® Ostomy Powder absorbs excess moisture around the stoma, helping to prevent skin irritation and promoting better adhesion of the ostomy appliance.
• Cleanser Wipes: Used to cleanse the peristomal area gently without causing further discomfort.
  • Comfeel® Cleanser Wipes (Product Code: 04715): Comfeel® Cleanser Wipes offer a gentle yet effective solution for cleansing skin exposed to stoma output, urine, or pus. Infused with natural coconut oil, these wipes moisturize and soothe the skin while promoting healing of damaged areas.
• Barrier Spray or Cream: Forms a thin protective film to shield the skin from adhesives and output.
  • Brava® Skin Barrier Spray (Product Code: 12020): Brava® Skin Barrier Spray forms a thin, breathable protective layer on the skin, safeguarding it from stoma output and preparing it for better adhesion of the ostomy appliance.
• Protective Sheet: Acts as a buffer between the baseplates and the skin, reducing direct irritation.
  • Brava® Protective Sheet (Product Code: 03210, 03215, 03220): Brava® Protective Sheet acts as a buffer between the wafer and the skin, reducing direct irritation and providing an even surface for better adhesion, especially over uneven skin contours.

C. Pancaking & Odor Concerns

Pancaking occurs when stool sticks to the top of the bag, preventing it from falling to the bottom, while odor concerns often stem from gas buildup, poor sealing, or certain foods. Both issues affect comfort and confidence in daily life.

Solutions:

• Lubricating Deo (Lubricating Deodorant Gel): This dual-purpose product coats the inside of the bag to prevent stool from clinging (reducing pancaking) and neutralizes odors. It keeps output moving freely to the bottom of the bag and offers discreet odor control, supporting better hygiene and confidence in social settings.
  • Brava® Lubricating Deodorant (Product Code: 12061): Brava® Lubricating Deodorant is a dual-purpose gel formulated to neutralize odors and facilitate the smooth flow of output within the ostomy bag. By creating a slick interior surface, it helps prevent stool from sticking, thereby reducing the risk of pancaking and making bag emptying more manageable.

D. Bag Security During Physical Activity

Concerns about the bag becoming loose during exercise or daily movements are common. Ostomates often fear leakage or embarrassment, especially during intense activity.

Solutions:

• Brava Belt (Product Code: 00421, 00423, 00424) : Designed to be worn around the waist, ostomy belt keeps the baseplate securely in place.
• Support Bands & Wraps: These offer gentle compression to help keep the bag securely in place, reducing the risk of shifting or coming loose. They also sit comfortably under clothing, providing a discreet and supportive fit.

Choosing the Right Ostomy Accessories or Supporting Products

Ostomy accessories come in various sizes, shapes, and materials and there are numerous ostomy accessories benefits when they are chosen wisely and used correctly. The right research, combined with feedback and expert guidance, can help identify products that reduce skin irritation, improve bag adherence, minimize leaks, and enhance overall quality of life.

Consulting with healthcare professionals, especially stoma care nurses, is a critical step in this process. These professionals can assess the skin condition, the compatibility of accessories or supporting products with the current bag system, and recommend solutions tailored to individual concerns and preferences.

Key factors to consider:

• Comfort: Ensure that the materials are soft, breathable, and protect the skin from irritation.
• Ease of Use: Products should be easy to apply and remove without assistance.
• Compatibility: Check whether new accessories integrate well with the existing ostomy system.

Visit Coloplaststore.in to eExplore a wide range of Ostomy Accessories for managing common ostomy problems.