A crucial part of having an ostomy in place is skin care after the procedure. Whether you have had a colostomy or urostomy, taking care of your skin around the stoma is crucial for a comfortable and healthy lifestyle. If you have difficulty caring for the skin around your stoma, do not fret! This is where skin prep shines. These fantastic products help maintain your skin's health and prevent typical problems associated with ostomies.
What is Skin Prep?
In its most literal sense, skin prep is getting the skin surrounding your stoma ready to adhere to your ostomy system. This also involves safeguarding the integrity of the skin around the stoma. Skin prep products come in many forms, including paste and sprays.
Types of Skin Prep Products
Skin prep products, also called skin protective films, can be seen in different forms. The common forms include;
- Wipes
- Sprays
- Pastes
- Powders
- No-sting formulas: The formulas do not contain alcohol, which typically leaves a stinging sensation on the skin.
How Does Skin Prep Work?
Skin prep products create a watertight film on the skin to protect it from corrosive stoma effluents. They also prevent skin stripping caused by inappropriate or repeated removal of the adhesive skin barrier. These skin protective films can also aid in establishing a smooth, level surface over uneven skin, allowing for secure, leak-proof adhesion with your ostomy device.
It is essential to note that skin prep products lack potent adhesive characteristics. So, they should not be used primarily to adhere ostomy systems to the skin.
How To Use Skin Protective Films
Using skin prep products is straightforward. Here are some general recommendations you can follow.
- Clean the peri-stoma skin with warm water and gentle soap. Allow the skin to dry completely.
- Open the package of your skin protective film.
- Apply the product immediately on the peristomal skin.
- Let the area dry fully.
- Use your ostomy pouching system as recommended.