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Basics on Adhesives and Removers

People with ostomies have been able to live active, normal lives for years: frolicking with kids and pets, exercising, playing sports, having sex, doing almost anything. Today’s scientifically researched supplies are more effective than ever. You need to employ a few basic principles to get the most out your new life.

Your Skin

A protective covering providing a barrier between you and the outside world, your skin needs care to do its job effectively. That means drinking enough water, eating vegetables and fruits and other nutritious foods every day, and making sleep a priority.

Before trying a new product, read all of the directions first. Keep the original packaging in case you need it later. Always test the product on a small area of clean, dry skin to make that you’re not sensitive to any chemical in the product. For the next 24 hours, observe for redness, burning, itching, seeping, rash, or any other indications of irritation.

Adhesives

Wash around your stoma with a plain, mild soap before using any adhesive. Soaps containing moisturizers and other additives can interfere with a reliable attachment. When cleaning your skin around the appliance, prevent microabrasions by dabbing or wiping gently instead of rubbing. When possible, dry your skin by using a hair dryer on the lowest setting to avoid leaving a residue of cloth or paper fibers.

You can find adhesives available in paste form as well as liquid; pay attention to coat only your skin, avoiding your stoma since it’s composed of a different type of body tissue. Some ostomy wearers sprinkle a light dusting of a special moisture-absorbent powder before applying adhesive. The paste form actually functions as caulking by filling in irregularities to create a smooth surface. Be careful not to cake it on thickly. Liquid adhesives flow on quickly and easily, drying without crumbling or cracking. Liquid adhesives are generally preferred for wafers for two-part appliances intended to stay in place longer before removal. Apply only one layer in order for it to dry evenly, and remove any crumbs or lumps.

Get in the habit of checking the stoma area several times daily to spot potential issues before they become major problems.

Removers

When you need to remove your wafer or device, remember that you’re not yanking off a hair removal strip! Apply the remover in steps, spraying or wiping gently and then waiting a few minutes to let it begin to break down the adhesive. Not to compare your abdomen to a pot, but the whole process is actually similar to soaking cookware. As the device loosens, apply more remover and wait a few minutes. Some ostomates like to slide the edge of the wipes under the wafer or appliance. Repeat the cycle all the way around until the job is done. Then check your skin for redness, blistering, or other indications of breakdown.

Conclusion

Taking the time to stick to the basics — no pun intended — will save you hours of problems later. The more often you do something the right way, the more automatic it will becomes.