HOW TO CHANGE YOUR 2 PIECE OSTOMY SKIN BARRIER
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR 2 PIECE OSTOMY SKIN BARRIERTRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 2)To keep your ostomy working well and to prevent discomfort and infection, yourskin barrier needs to be changed on a regular basis, every 3 to 5 days if you have anileostomy and every 7-10 days if you have a colostomy.However, if you see any leakage, have burning or itching skin around the pouch, orfeel like your pouch isn’t sticking to your skin, change the skin barrier right away.The best time to change your skin barrier is when your stoma is less active, usuallyfirst thing in the morning before you eat, or 2 hours after eating.When changing your skin barrier, always follow the specific instructions provided byyour healthcare provider or WOC nurse. Here are some things to keep in mind.Have all of your supplies ready including: a new pouch and skin barrier, a washclothand soap or wipes, a sizing template to measure your stoma, scissors, a small plasticbag, and any skin protection products you may use.Peel away the old skin barrier and pouch. You may find an adhesive remover or wetpaper towel can help make removing the skin barrier easier. Throw the old pouchaway in a small plastic bag. At this point, take a moment to check your stoma for anychanges. Your stoma should be red and moist, like the inside of your mouth. Also,check the skin around the stoma for any redness or irritation.Next, clean the area around your stoma with soap and warm water. Do not use soapsor lotions with oils or perfumes, because they can irritate your skin. Do not use wipesthat contain oil, moisturizing cream or alcohol. Gently pat the skin dry.As your stoma heals from surgery, it will get smaller and it may change over time. Toavoid leaks it is important to make sure your pouch always fits properly around thestoma.20% gradient meshUse the measuring template to find the correct size of the opening you will need. Todo this, hold the template as close as possible to the edge of the stoma where it meetsyour skin. Now, line up the template with the cut lines on your new pouch or healthclipswafer.Cut the opening out carefully along the line that best matches your stoma size.healthclipsDouble check the size of the opening over your stoma. If it does not fit along thestoma edge, recut it and try again. It is important to get a good fit to avoid leaksandhealthclipsinfection.healthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_qc_10018_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshHOW TO CHANGE YOUR 2 PIECE OSTOMY SKIN BARRIERTRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 2)Remove the covering from the back of the wafer. You may choose to use a skin barrierpaste to create a better seal. If you do, apply a ring of skin barrier paste to the back ofthe opening of the new pouch. Center the opening over your stoma.Attach the wafer to your skin first. Press down on all sides for about 30 to 60 secondsto make sure it stays in place. Attach the pouch to the wafer. Make sure you have agood seal to avoid leaks.You may want to write the date on the paper backing so you remember when tochange your pouch next. You can use it as a guide when you change your pouchagain.Changing your skin barrier may take some time at first.“Any help that you can get from anyone when you’re first starting this, take it.”But the more you do it, the easier it will become.“It’s gotten very easy. It’s like second nature to change my bag.”If you have any questions about how to change your pouch, talk to your healthcareprovider or WOC nurse. They are there to help and can give you tips that can makechanging your skin barrier easier and more comfortable for you.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_qc_10018_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
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