The Right Time To Use Stoma Paste

The stoma paste is a type of skin barrier that comes in a tube. The primary purposes of this paste are to fill the skin indentations and prevent the skin from coming in contact with the cut opening of the pouch skin barrier. Note that this paste is not the glue that can hold a pouch.

The primary purpose of the stoma paste is to fill in rough skin surface around the stoma. The skin smoothness, which develops after the paste application, allows the skin barrier to sit well over the peristomal skin, forming a leakproof seal. This seal prevents the stomal output from leaking out of the pouching system. Stomal leak can result in social, psychological, and physical discomfort for ostomy patients. And these leaks can occur as a result of the poor fitting of the ostomy pouching systems, mainly due to irregularities of skin outlines. Stoma paste is the best means to counter such skin irregularities.

Benefits of using stoma paste

Prevention of stoma drainage and resultant discomfort in the peristomal skin is the primary benefit of stoma paste. Patients need to apply this paste while changing the pouching system. To avoid evacuation from the stoma during the pouching system change, doing it before mealtime is a good idea.

Instructions to avoid adverse effects

Applying stoma paste in excess can do more harm than good. Many of the cylinder pastes available in the market contain alcohol. Sensitive patients might start getting a burning sensation after the application of such paste. Strips stoma pastes do not usually contain alcohol. Patients who are sensitive to alcohol-based cylinder pastes can consider using the strips pastes to avoid any skin discomfort.

Also, the stoma paste can leave an adverse effect on the ideal wear time of the wafer. So, before using the stoma paste, patients need to be sure that they need to apply it.

Adverse effects of adhesive agents

Some adhesive agents in the stoma paste can cause damage to the skin, especially at the time of pouch change. While stoma paste is not primarily an adhesive agent, it fortifies adhesion to a certain degree. Individuals whose skin is fragile or the ones who have to change pouches frequently should not use this paste without the nurse's advice. Individuals who are benefitted more from this paste are the ones who fail to prevent leakage with the pouching system's normal adhesion.

How to apply the stoma paste

There are a few steps that you need to follow while applying the stoma paste.

• Wash the peristomal skin thoroughly to remove any residue. Then, dry it until there is no moisture left.
• You can apply stoma paste directly on the peristomal skin or the inner side of the wafer. Allow it to sit for two minutes after applying it to the peristomal skin.
• If you are applying the paste on the wafer, place it on the skin as usual. There you need to hold the wafer against the abdomen for one minute.