Peristomal skin care and the use of accessories to promote skin health

Stomas are frequently encountered by nurses. Common complications include problems with the peristomal skin-the skin around the stoma. It has been reported that up to 80% of people with a stoma, who are termed ostomates, are affected. The three main types of stomas are colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy; all these come with a risk of sore peristomal skin. These stomas pass faeces or urine, which are collected in a stoma appliance that adheres to the peristomal skin. It is essential to ensure that this skin is free from breaks or soreness as this might lead to appliance leakage. This article is aimed at ward nurses and will focus on some of the stoma accessories that are used to treat, protect or 'level' peristomal skin. Accessories, such as barrier creams or films, can be used to protect skin. Filler paste, seals and convex appliances, for example, can be used to resolve creases in the skin or to treat a retracted stoma. The situations in which stoma accessories might be useful in resolving peristomal skin problems or retaining its integrity are numerous.