# What should I do if I develop skin irritation around my stoma? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/maza-afal-iza-osibt-bitahajoj-fi-aljild-hawl-alstoma Language: en Category: surgery Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.156Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.156Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/maza-afal-iza-osibt-bitahajoj-fi-aljild-hawl-alstoma If you develop skin irritation around your stoma, it is important to take immediate steps to care for the affected area to prevent the problem from worsening. You should clean the skin gently and dry it thoroughly, then use ostomy-specific skincare products such as protective powder or paste. This helps protect the skin and promote healing, while ensuring that the pouching system is fitted correctly to prevent leakage. ## Causes of Stoma Skin Irritation Skin irritation around the stoma can occur for several reasons, most notably leakage of stoma contents (stool or urine) onto the skin. Contact with these contents can cause irritation and damage to the skin, so it is necessary to address the leakage and review the fit of the pouch [\[1\]](). Also, not changing the pouch regularly, using a pouch that is not suitable for the size and shape of the stoma, or excessive and harsh cleaning of the skin can contribute to irritation. Some products, such as scented soaps or those containing alcohol or oils, can also cause irritation to the sensitive skin around the stoma [\[2\]](). ## Steps for Immediate Care of Irritated Skin To care for irritated skin around the stoma, follow these steps: - **Gentle Cleaning:** Carefully remove the old pouch. Clean the skin around the stoma with warm water and a mild, unscented soap. Avoid rubbing the skin forcefully [\[2\]](). - **Complete Drying:** Gently dry the skin using a clean towel or paper towels. Ensure the skin is completely dry before applying any products or a new pouch [\[1\]](). - **Skin Inspection:** Carefully inspect the skin for any signs of infection, such as severe redness, swelling, or pus discharge. It is normal for the stoma color to be pink or red, but you must contact a doctor if it turns purple, black, or blue [\[1\]](). - **Using Protective Products:** If the skin is moist or slightly ulcerated, sprinkle some stoma powder only on the moist or open part. Then, gently press the area with a special wipe over the powder and skin again. Allow the area to air dry for one to two minutes [\[1\]](). Stoma paste or a protective ring can also be used around the stoma opening to create a barrier between the skin and stoma contents [\[1\]](). - **Regular Pouch Changes:** Empty the pouch when it is about one-third full; replacement with a new pouch is usually done every 2 to 4 days, or according to the nurse's instructions and the type of ostomy system [\[1\]](). ## Preventing Future Skin Irritation To prevent skin irritation around the stoma, it is essential to maintain a regular and correct care routine. Ensure you measure the stoma size regularly, especially in the first months after surgery, as its size can change. Use a measuring card to determine the appropriate size for the pouch opening or skin barrier [\[1\]](). The opening should fit perfectly around the stoma to prevent leakage without compressing it. Avoid using products containing oils, perfumes, deodorants, alcohol, or harsh chemicals on the skin around the stoma [\[2\]](). Further information on living with an ostomy and caring for it can be found in the [Comprehensive Guide to Daily Care and Improving Quality of Life with an Ostomy (Arabic)](). ## When Should You Consult a Doctor? You must contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following signs, as they may indicate a more serious problem: - If the stoma has a foul odor, discharges pus, or bleeds excessively [\[1\]](). - If the stoma color changes (turns purple, black, or blue), becomes longer, or begins to retract into the skin [\[1\]](). - If the skin around the stoma is swollen [\[1\]](). - If you have a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or chills [\[1\]](). - If you feel nauseous or are vomiting [\[1\]](). - If your stool is looser than usual [\[1\]](). - If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain or distension [\[1\]](). - If no gas or stool has passed for 4 hours [\[1\]](). - If there is a significant increase in the amount of stool collecting in the pouch [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Changing your ostomy pouch]() - [Urinary Diversion]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/maza-afal-iza-osibt-bitahajoj-fi-aljild-hawl-alstoma#answer