FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a stoma barrier ring?
Products like the Adapt Barrier Rings are skin protectors for people who have had an ostomy. They cover the skin around the stoma to fill the uneven skin surfaces. The donut-shaped rings have a hole in the middle for the stoma to pass through. For your comfort, stoma barrier rings are flexible, cuttable, stretchable, and stackable. You can apply them directly to the peristomal skin or the adhesive side of another stoma barrier ring. Also, products like McKesson Skin Barrier Rings are available in various sizes and thicknesses.
What does a barrier ring do?
Stoma barrier rings combine with ostomy skin barriers to help prevent leakage of stoma output beneath them. When these barriers come in contact with liquid, they swell up around the stoma while absorbing sweat and secretion from the stoma. By wicking away excess fluids from the stoma area, stoma barrier rings help prevent bacteria and fungal build-up, leaks, skin irritations, rashes, and infections. Many people apply barrier rings like the Eakin Cohesive Seals to remedy a leaky ostomy connection. Others regularly use them around the stoma to increase confidence, wear time, and treat sores.
How do you use a colostomy barrier ring?
To start the application process, remove the backing from the skin barrier. Next, stretch and shape the ring to fit your needs. You have a choice between the one-piece or two-piece pouching system. With the two-piece pouching design, the barrier rings and adhesive wafer barriers are separate. So, if you have the two-piece application, remove the protective backing from both sides of the ring before pressing the ring onto the adhesive side of your skin barrier. At this point, you can put on your ostomy skin barrier as usual. This method is the recommended option. However, you can place the ring directly around the stoma, followed by the skin barrier. You can also cut your ring in any shape to customize the fit.
What are ostomy barrier rings made of?
The makers of ostomy supplies construct ostomy barrier rings out of flexible hydrocolloid material, making it easy to mold into the shape you need to support the barrier system. This material protects against liquid and semi-liquid fluids without irritating your healthy or damaged skin. Also, this material is the main component in SUR-FIT Natura Disposable Convex Inserts for Retracted Stomas. Retracted stomas can be more challenging for ostomy barrier rings to adequately cover crevices and indentions in the skin around them.
How close should the barrier ring be to the stoma?
Stool is corrosive, and it can cause damage to your skin within a short block of time. The resulting damage will frequently cause itching and burning, particularly with an active stoma. In addition, over time, you may see small patches of blood seeping from the irritated skin. Several factors can lead to your skin getting exposed to stool. But one of the most common reasons is a flange opening being too large for the stoma. This problem is why the flange opening should measure about 1/8th of an inch (3-4 millimeters) larger than the base of the stoma. If the gap is larger than this standard, the barrier ring and paste can't provide enough protection. Most ostomy accessory suppliers have measuring aids to help you choose the correct size for the flange opening. If you have trouble getting the proper measurement, consult your healthcare provider.
How do you use a stoma paste with a barrier ring?
You can use stoma paste to increase protection around your stoma. Typically used with various pouching systems, ostomy pastes act like caulking by filling in cracks and forming a barrier against ostomy outputs, including stool. You can apply ostomy paste to fill the 1/8-inch gap between the flange and the stoma. The paste is also helpful in sealing small crevices and dips in the surrounding skin. If you don't like paste, you can use strip barriers, wipe barriers, or cream barriers as alternatives. Either way, Allegro Medical has a fine selection of ostomy paste and powders.
How often should you change your ostomy flange?
You should change your ostomy flange every five to eight days. However, if you experience any leakage or itching, change it immediately. Also, try to choose a time of day when you have less stool output. Usually, early morning before breakfast is a good time. Also, you may need to change your flange more often if you sweat more than usual, have oily skin, or have a watery stool.
MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, charts, and any other material on this site, is intended for informational purposes only and does not take the place of medical guidance provided by your physician. No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional about your condition or circumstances before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.