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A stoma, being an opening for an artificially created diversion in the excretory pathway, can cause significant difficulties for both patients and healthcare professionals. Almost the entire problem, in this scenario, is related to the peristomal skin, which is the skin around the stoma. Any irritation or complication in that part of the skin can affect the patient’s quality of life.
It, therefore, becomes crucial for healthcare professionals and nursing staff to understand what these complications are, and what steps are required to prevent or treat those complications.
In this article, we are going to talk about the possible peristomal skin complications that can interfere in a patient’s ostomy care regimen.
In this article, we are going to talk about the possible peristomal skin complications that can interfere in a patient’s ostomy care regimen.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
This form of chemical irritation happens when the stomal output comes in contact with the peristomal skin to cause sensitivity. This contact leads to skin’s redness, itching, and pain. According to a survey, about 85% of ostomy patients experience this issue due to ostomy pouch leakage at some point. It, therefore, becomes significantly important for the patient to ensure a tighter seal between the peristomal skin and the skin barrier.
This form of chemical irritation happens when the stomal output comes in contact with the peristomal skin to cause sensitivity. This contact leads to skin’s redness, itching, and pain. According to a survey, about 85% of ostomy patients experience this issue due to ostomy pouch leakage at some point. It, therefore, becomes significantly important for the patient to ensure a tighter seal between the peristomal skin and the skin barrier.
Papular Overgranulation
This skin complication results in red lesions around the stoma. It occurs as a result of an inadequate seal between the skin barrier and the peristomal skin. You can treat this problem by ensuring the correct seal.
This skin complication results in red lesions around the stoma. It occurs as a result of an inadequate seal between the skin barrier and the peristomal skin. You can treat this problem by ensuring the correct seal.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
The skin complication that can arise as a result of the application of skincare products that contain allergic elements is known as allergic contact dermatitis. The signs of this complication include erythema, swelling, and burning of the skin. You can reduce this complication by working on preventive measures while choosing skin care products.
The skin complication that can arise as a result of the application of skincare products that contain allergic elements is known as allergic contact dermatitis. The signs of this complication include erythema, swelling, and burning of the skin. You can reduce this complication by working on preventive measures while choosing skin care products.
Infection
Infection in the peristomal skin area occurs as a result of the presence of bacteria and fungi. It happens when the skin area is exposed to feces and other harmful materials. Several adhesive removal products can cause hair pulling, which can result in folliculitis, a condition that can progress to an abscess.
Infection in the peristomal skin area occurs as a result of the presence of bacteria and fungi. It happens when the skin area is exposed to feces and other harmful materials. Several adhesive removal products can cause hair pulling, which can result in folliculitis, a condition that can progress to an abscess.
Caput Medusae
Patients with chronic liver diseases might start displaying signs of caput medusa. It is a condition that can cause purple discoloration around the stoma. It can lead to excessive bleeding.
Patients with chronic liver diseases might start displaying signs of caput medusa. It is a condition that can cause purple discoloration around the stoma. It can lead to excessive bleeding.
Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Pyoderma Gangrenosum is a severe peristomal skin complication that occurs as a result of inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. It can cause ulcers that can vary in depth. To treat this condition, you may need topical or systemic steroid treatment.
Pyoderma Gangrenosum is a severe peristomal skin complication that occurs as a result of inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. It can cause ulcers that can vary in depth. To treat this condition, you may need topical or systemic steroid treatment.
Conclusion
Healthcare professionals must have good knowledge and skill related to how to treat peristomal skin complications. Most of these issues occur as a result of poor hygiene. Healthcare professionals who know the consequences of poor hygiene and lack of proper fitting of the skin barrier can teach effective stoma care to their patients.
Healthcare professionals must have good knowledge and skill related to how to treat peristomal skin complications. Most of these issues occur as a result of poor hygiene. Healthcare professionals who know the consequences of poor hygiene and lack of proper fitting of the skin barrier can teach effective stoma care to their patients.