Ostomy accessories and how to use them

Stoma powder: this a powder that is used to absorb excess moisture from the skin, it is used for skin irritation. Usually this is done in a “crusting manor” which means you apply the powder, brush off all excess powder, then pat the skin barrier wipe over the powder and repeat this same process 3x/in a row.

 

Ostomy rings:  these come in regular and slim sizes. They can be used to fill in or caulk uneven skin and create a flatter surface to prevent the Ostomy flange from leaking. They may be gently stretched to fit the size of the stoma. They may be applied on the skin around the stoma or on the back of the ostomy flange.

 

Adhesive Remover Wipes: are used to help remove the flange and or any adhesive or paste left on the skin.  They do not have to be used by all patients.  They are often used by patients for whom removing the flange is difficult or painful Skin barrier wipes:  These are skin protectant wipes.

 

Skin Barrier Wipes: They are used to apply a thin layer of protection to your skin.  They are also used to seal in stoma powder.

 

Barrier strips:  are used around the outer edge of the ostomy flange to give better adherence of the ostomy flange. They are not the answer for flanges that are leaking from the stoma out.

Stoma Powder Ostomy Rings Adhesive Remover Wipes Skin Barrier Wipes/Spray Stoma Paste Barrier Strips

Ostomy deodorant:  This is used to decrease the odor when the pouch is opened and drained. There is also a lubricating deodorant which lubricates the bag, helping the stool to fall down into the bag more easily. The deodorant is squirted into the bag each time after it is emptied.

 

Ostomy filters:  Most manufactures make ostomy bags with gas filters. They help the gas leave the bag without opening it. There is also a gas filter that can be applied to the bag with a cap opening. It is called the Osto EZ Vent. When you want to remove the gas, you open the cap, let the gas escape, then close it again.

 

Ostomy belts:  should be used to hold the flange down on the skin. These are needed by some patients with difficult stomas, soft abdomens and convex barriers. They are attached to the tabs on the sides of the flange and adjusted to fit securely.

Hernia belts: These are meant to be used by patients with hernias around the stoma.  They help hold the hernia in place and give better wear time.  They should be applied while the patient is laying down with the hernia reduced if possible

Hernia belt with prolapse tab: This is a hernia belt with a tab which goes over the prolapsed stoma to hold it in place.

 

Overnight drainage bag: All urostomy patients should hook up to an overnight drainage bag at night to enable them to sleep without interruption.

 

Tube stabilizer: Just like a catheter would be stabilized on the thigh, an overnight drainage bag should be stabilized, as well, so that the ostomy bag doesn’t twist and prohibit urine from draining into the overnight drainage bag.