Generally, a person with a stoma has no voluntary control over the flow of stoma discharge. As a result, a collection device or stoma cover is needed. The ostomate may use a two piece system (separate skin barrier with flange and snap on pouch) or a one piece system (skin barrier and pouch are combined into one unit). There are also products available to assist an ostomate with skin care around the stoma.
A properly fitted pouch is essential to minimize stomal and skin irritation and obtain optimum pouch wear time. A stoma measuring card allows correct measurement of the stoma. To determine the correct appliance size add 1/2 inch to the stoma size. Example: stoma is 1 inch in size, appliance size should be 1 1 /2 inch.
SKIN BARRIER (Also known as a wafer): Any product which protects the skin from excretions. They may be cut to size and used under a variety of adhesive pouches or face plates.
FLANGE (wafer): Skin barrier sheet together with attached plastic ring for pouch attachment.
FACE PLATE: Plastic or rubber ring in a variety of outer and inner diameters. The pouch is attached to the outer lip of the faceplate. This is considered a permanent appliance that can be cleaned and re-used.
DRAINABLE POUCH: A collection device used when bowel regulation can not be established and contents must be emptied several times per day. May be worn for at least 5 to 7 days without removal.
CLOSED-END POUCH: A collection device used when bowel regulation has been established by natural methods or irrigation. Must be removed after stoma discharge. Changed daily or every other day per irrigation schedule or bowel regulation.
IRRIGATION KIT: Products used to administer a daily (or every other day) enema through the stoma to regulate bowel movements. Kits may include: Irrigator, Stoma Cone, Irrigation Sleeves, Lubricant, Belt, Tail Closure, Brush, and Wafer.
STOMA CAP: A small device used to cover the stoma. Normally used instead of a regular pouch cover when some form of bowel regulation has been achieved.
IRRIGATION SLEEVE: A drainable collection device used when irrigating through the stoma. The stoma discharge flows through the sleeve into an external container.
STOMA CONE: A device that is inserted into the stoma for the purpose of administering an enema. The stoma cone is connected to tubing and attached to a water bag.
IRRIGATOR BAG: A water bag used for the purpose of irrigation. Volume graduations are indicated on the bag.
BELTS: Belts are generally used to hold faceplates and pouches securely in place. They may also be used with conventional two piece systems to provide additional support and security.
TAIL CLOSURE: A clamp used to seal the bottom of a drainable pouch.
PASTE: Normally used to help fill in uneven skin areas. It acts as a sealant, preventing excretions from the stoma to make contact with the skin surface. It is also used to round out irregularly shaped stomas.
KARAYA POWDER: Karaya powder is used to provide a secure protective cover for the skin. It helps to build a smooth surface so that appliances fit more securely. Karaya powder is made of Karaya, a natural soluble gummy powder.
KARAYA SEAL RINGS: Covers the skin around the stoma. It helps to prevent secretions from seeping between the skin and the appliance.
SKIN PREP: A skin care product that acts as a protective coating between appliance adhesives and sensitive skin.
MOISTURIZING CREAM: A protective moisturizer designed especially to protect skin that could be damaged by urine or stool. It lubricates and softens dry skin. It moisturizes, protects and promotes healing.
BARRIER SPRAY: The barrier spray protects the skin from irritation caused by urine and stool. Regular use reduces the possibility of skin breakdown.
SKIN CLEANSER: The skin cleanser neutralizes and deodorizes urine and bowel odors on contact. It is non-irritating and does not interfere with normal skin pH.
ADHESIVE REMOVERS: Adhesive removers dissolve barrier film from skin.
APPLIANCE DEODORANTS: Deodorants specially formulated with powerful ingredients to relieve problem odors associated with the use of ostomy collection appliances.
ORAL DEODORANTS: Tablets taken orally to help counteract odor.
For more information, see related ostomy product articles and ostomy resources here:
- Exercising With an Ostomy | Products That Can Help
- Ostomy Terms Explained | Ostomy Glossary
- Medicare Coverage of Ostomy Supplies
- Odor Management with an Ostomy
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My family and I are taking a road trip. I wanted to know what accessories should be used when starting to drive or ride in a car. Should I use something to cover the stoma?
