Must-Have Accessories for Healthy Peristomal Skin: What to Consider Before You Buy

TL;DR

• Assess your needs first – Consider your skin type, body contours, lifestyle, and any past issues before buying accessories.
• Protective sheets prevent moisture damage – Apply thin absorbent sheets under your baseplate to manage moisture and improve adhesion.
• Ostomy powder tackles irritation – Use powder on moist or weeping skin to absorb excess moisture and create a dry surface for adhesives.
• Remove adhesives gently – Use remover sprays or wipes to protect your skin from trauma during appliance changes.
• Barrier products add protection – Creams and sprays create a protective layer that reduces friction and supports better adhesion.
• Fill irregular surfaces properly – Choose between mouldable rings, paste, or protective seals based on your specific body contours.
• Consult your healthcare provider – Work with your stoma care nurse for personalized guidance on persistent skin issues.

Having an ostomy presents unique challenges, especially regarding the importance of maintaining peristomal skin health. The skin around your stoma is sensitive and subject to constant exposure to moisture, adhesives, and possible irritants. While your primary ostomy appliance forms the foundation of your care routine, ostomy accessories for peristomal skin play an equally important role in preventing complications like irritation, maceration, and painful skin breakdown that can significantly impact your quality of life.

The right accessories are your initial line of defense against problems like leakage, skin irritation, and discomfort. From protective sheets that form barriers to moisture to special powders that manage excess moisture, these accessories work together to keep your skin in the best possible condition around your stoma. This article aims to explore the most essential accessories out there and help you make sensible choices that really fit your unique situation and lifestyle needs.

How to Think About Your Needs First

Take time to examine your personal needs before investing in any accessories.

First, consider your skin type – is it sensitive by nature, moisture-retentive, or dry? Knowing your skin type helps you decide which products will be most beneficial.

Take into account the special contours of your body in the stoma region. Observe any folds, dips, creases, or uneven surfaces that could influence the placement and adhesion of your baseplate. Such anatomical characteristics tend to require ostomy accessories for the peristomal skin to achieve optimal adhesion and prevent leakage sites.

Your lifestyle considerations also impact your choice of accessories. How often do you switch your appliance? Are you active, or do you spend extended periods sitting? Do you work in temperature-alternating environments? These daily actions impact the way your accessories function and how frequently you may need to replace them.

Also consider any previous problems you've had, such as frequent leaks, skin irritation, maceration, or trouble with appliance removal. Those issues tend to reveal specific accessory requirements that can help avoid future problems.

Protective Sheets: Your Moisture Management Solution

A protective sheet is a thin, absorbent cover applied directly to clean, dry skin prior to applying your baseplate.

Brava Protective Sheet is a great barrier against moisture, taking up any excess moisture that might otherwise lead to skin maceration.

The major advantages are to prevent moisture-related skin breakdown, to form a smoother surface for improved adhesion of the baseplate, and to enhance overall seal integrity.

It serves as a buffer shield between your skin and the adhesive, especially beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or high-output stomas that produce more moisture than usual.

Among the best ostomy skin care products, protective sheets are especially valuable for individuals who experience frequent output or reside in humid environments where moisture management is crucial for maintaining skin integrity.

Available in three convenient sizes:

• 10X10 cm – Product Code: Coloplast Protective Sheet 03210
• 15X15 cm – Product Code: Coloplast Protective Sheet 03215
• 20X20 cm – Product Code: Coloplast Protective Sheet 03220.

You can choose the sheet that best matches your stoma size, skin area, and body contours

To manage a variety of skin challenges, many people rely on a combination of ostomy powder and protective sheets, which work together to reduce moisture, improve adhesion, and maintain healthy peristomal skin.

Ostomy Powder: Managing Moist and Irritated Skin

Ostomy powder becomes necessary when there is moist, weeping, or irritated peristomal skin.

Brava Ostomy Powder (product code: 01907) absorbs excess moisture and forms a dry surface on which adhesives can form an effective bond.

Apply powder lightly to dry, clean skin, especially on areas prone to moisture retention. Remove any excess powder before applying your baseplate, as too much powder can do more harm than good and may prevent proper adhesion. The powder absorbs moisture but leaves a protective barrier that prevents irritation from occurring.

Apply ostomy powder when you notice moisture buildup, skin irritation, or areas where your baseplate is not adhering well due to moisture. However, do not apply powder over open wounds or severely broken skin unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.

Remover Spray and Wipes: Gentle Adhesive Removal

Correct removal of adhesives guards against peristomal skin trauma and irritation.

Brava Adhesive Remover Spray (product code: 12010) breaks down adhesive bonds slowly, enabling you to take off your appliance without tugging or causing damage to delicate skin.

Brava Adhesive Remover Wipes (Product Code: 12011) are handy for various situations. Wipes are convenient for use on the go or in public restroom makeovers. Both sprays and wipes help you avoid harsh scrubbing or pulling that can damage your skin over time.

Use remover on the borders of your baseplate and let it soak in for 30-60 seconds before carefully lifting the appliance. This method greatly minimizes skin trauma and makes appliance changes more comfortable.

Barrier Cream and Barrier Spray: Protective Skin Conditioning

Barrier products create a protective layer on your peristomal skin, reducing friction and helping baseplates adhere more effectively.

Comfeel Barrier Cream (Product Code: 04720) provides excellent skin protection while maintaining adhesive compatibility.

Brava Skin Barrier Spray provides an alternative application method, creating a uniform protective film across the peristomal area. The spray format works particularly well for hard-to-reach areas or when you need quick application.

Apply barrier products sparingly to clean, dry skin, focusing on areas prone to irritation. Allow barrier creams to absorb fully before applying your baseplate. These products are especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin or those experiencing minor irritation from adhesive contact.

Paste and Mouldable Rings: Filling Irregular Surfaces

Filling skin creases and dips around the stoma is essential for a leak-proof, skin-friendly seal. Many people find that ostomy paste and mouldable rings provide effective solutions, along with newer options like the recently launched Brava Protective Seal.

• Brava Mouldable Ring – A soft, stretchable ring available in two thicknesses—2 mm (12030) and 4.2 mm (12042). Press it into dips, folds, or uneven contours to create a durable, custom-shaped gasket that resists disintegration throughout wear time.
• Coloplast Paste / Brava Paste – A pliable hydrocolloid paste supplied in a tube. Squeeze a bead around the stoma edge or into deep crevices for pinpoint gap-filling. Paste is ideal when contours change with each application or when you need fine control over the amount of material you apply.
• Brava Protective Seal – Newly introduced in India, this thin, flexible seal combines the moldability of a ring with the moisture-absorption of a hydrocolloid. It conforms closely to the stoma base, then “rebounds” to maintain a tight fit even as you move. It is very useful for high-output ileostomies or active lifestyles. It is available in two thicknesses—2.5mm and 4.2mm for various stoma sizes (18mm/27mm/34mm).

When to Choose What

Ring

• Best for predictable, repeated contours (e.g., shallow skin folds).
• Faster to apply; less messy.
• Provides a uniform thickness, so the baseplate sits flat.

Paste

• Better for deep, narrow crevices or scarred skin where rings can’t reach.
• Allows micro-adjustments at each change.
• Slight learning curve; can be messy if over-applied.

Protective Seal

• The hybrid option is when you need both thin flexibility and strong rebound.
• Excellent if your abdomen changes shape during the day (e.g., after meals, during exercise).
• May replace both ring and paste in many cases, reducing product layering.

How to Combine Accessories Wisely

Resist the urge to stack up multiple accessories at once without learning their interactions. Over-layering products will make things look bulky, decrease the adhesive's performance, or be bothersome to wear.

Peristomal skin protection tips include trying new ostomy accessories for peristomal skin first, starting with short wear times. Use one new item at a time to see how your skin responds and how it affects your appliance's performance. This scientific method guides you in discovering what is best for your individual requirements.

Consider the order of application when using multiple accessories. Generally, apply products from thinnest to thickest: barrier spray first, then powder if needed, followed by paste or rings, and finally your baseplate.

Practical Tips Before You Buy

Evaluate compatibility between accessories and your current ostomy appliance system. Not all products work well together, and some may interfere with adhesion or comfort. Consider your lifestyle demands. For example, active individuals might need different solutions than those with sedentary routines.

Factor in cost versus frequency of use. While some accessories seem expensive initially, calculate the per-use cost based on how often you'll need them. Many accessories last multiple appliance changes, making them more economical than they initially appear.

Coloplast ostomy accessories are available through Coloplaststore.in with discreet packaging and pan-India doorstep delivery, ensuring privacy and convenience for your ongoing needs

Final Thoughts

The right combination of accessories can dramatically improve your peristomal skin health and overall ostomy experience. Ostomy accessories for peristomal skin work together to prevent common complications while enhancing comfort and security in your daily life.

Select accessories according to your skin features, body shape, daily lifestyle, and past challenges. Keep in mind that ostomy care is very personal and what suits someone else may not be ideal for you.

Always consult with your stoma care nurse or healthcare provider when experiencing persistent skin issues or before trying new products. They can provide personalized guidance and help you develop an effective accessory routine that keeps your peristomal skin healthy and comfortable for years to come.

Visit Coloplaststore.in for ostomy accessories designed to suit your lifestyle, offering comfort and peace of mind. Reach out to us to discover our premium ostomy care solutions and receive support on your journey.