Allergies - occur with contact, and may be indicated by a ring around the stoma where paste is used or tape makes contact with your skin. This can be treated like excoriation. Your E.T. can create test spots for paste, wafer, plastic and tape and judge your skins reactions to isolate the problem. It may be necessary to switch products. Appliances without tape are made by every company. Pouch covers can aid in allergies to plastic (and are a good idea when it is hot). If you use soap on the skin around your stoma, be sure to rinse well. If necessary, your E.T. will refer you to a dermatologist. Be sure to take your own supplies for testing purposes.

Monila - is a yeast infection. The skin will peel and may look purple. Monila often occurs after treatment with antibiotics or a yeast infection elsewhere. Treatment includes washing and drying the skin thoroughly and applying micostatin powder, (not ointment or oil,) which is available over the counter. Yogurt in your diet helps fight yeast infections.

Infection - is caused by prolonged exposure to stool and is rare.

Folliculitis - is infected hair follicles, and is usually seen in men who shave around their stoma. Using Skin Prep to protect and coat the skin will help.

Chemotherapy - may cause a cycle of skin irritation. Using Duoderm under your appliance helps to keep the skin dry and protect it.

Crystal formation - can occur for those with urinary diversions. Washing the skin and soaking it with vinegar each time the appliance is changed can prevent crystal formation. Vinegar is a mild acid that breaks down the crystal.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum - seems to be connected to ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. This entails ulceration of the peristomal skin. Prednisone injections have been used and new ointments are proving effective. Skin breakdown due to Crohn's can occur anywhere on the body.