May/June 2001
Page 9
Paste Hints
This ostomy product (brand names: Coloplast, ConvaTec (Stomahesive), Hollister (Premium, Hollihesive and Karaya) is often misused and, it could be argued, misnamed. Pastes should not be used as adhesives. The purpose of the paste is to fill in any uneven areas on the skin under the wafer to make the area level, which will help to gain a good seal for the wafer. A second purpose is as a caulking material around the base of the stoma to keep discharge from leaking at the base and getting under the wafer. All of the pastes contain alcohol and therefore will sting somewhat when applied to irritated skin. The stinging will subside as the alcohol evaporates.
To fill deeper depressions in the skin surface, it is better to layer the paste, allowing 30 seconds between each application, to allow the paste to set up. A caution and a practical tip: Whatever you use to tap the paste into place - washcloth; tissue; cotton balls; your fingers - should be damp, but not dripping wet - or you will have paste all over everything within reach. At this point, paste becomes a cement that attaches to anything dry. Recap the paste immediately after use to prevent drying out.
From Metro Maryland, via Mesa (AZ) MAIL POUCH & S. Brevard (FL) OSTOMY NEWSLETTER, Feb. 2000, Inside Out On-line May/Jun 2001.
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