Choosing an Ostomy Skin Barrier
Selecting the right skin barrier is important to ensure a good seal and skin protection. Use this decision guide to help you choose the right one for you.
Get tips on choosing a skin barrier.
The skin barrier is the most important part of the pouching system because it protects your skin from stoma output and keeps your pouch in place. There are many skin barrier options designed to provide the most secure seal around your stoma, prevent leakage and protect your skin. Your choice depends on your stoma, output and other factors, such as sensitivity to tape.
Here’s a quick decision guide to help you make the right choice for you.
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Choosing a skin barrier |
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Situation |
Consider… |
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Your stoma is round and its size is not changing |
*Pre-sized skin barriers |
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Your stoma is oval and the size is still changing |
Cut-to-fit skin barriers |
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Your output is liquid, soft or mushy |
Skin barriers designed to be more resistant to liquid stomal output |
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Your output is formed or you change your skin barrier often |
Skin barriers with gentle adhesion to limit skin damage from frequent changes |
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Your stoma sticks out or you have a deep abdominal crease or hernia |
Flat skin barriers that are best for use with creases or protrusions |
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Your stoma does not stick out, your skin is soft or you have a slight crease in your skin |
Convex skin barriers that adhere well to flat areas |
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You are sensitive to tape |
Skin barriers without tape |
