As if the pain is not enough, this type of hair removal can cause folliculitis, which is an inflammation within the hair follicle. Removing the skin barrier in a rough manner and dry shaving can also cause folliculitis. This condition presents itself as reddened bumps on the peristomal skin. This redness may be confused with yeast infection. However, if you look carefully, the redness is only present in the hair follicle. The bump may look like a pustule.
What is the solution to this hairy problem? Many men find they must shave the peristomal skin with each change of their skin barrier. In the past, the ostomy literature has always recommended using an electric razor. I personally have never had great success with this method. Although, I have heard that some folks do very well with the newer small razors that were designed for trimming mustaches and sideburns.
If you use a safety razor, as we do in the hospital, be sure to apply sufficient shave cream so that this is not a dry shave. In addition, be gentle. Most shave creams have emollients so you will need very lightly to wash the skin with a plain soap afterwards. Be sure to rinse your peristomal skin well so that no soap residue remains.
If the skin is very irritated and itchy, we have found that Kenalog spray or Desonide lotion is extremely helpful. This is a steroid (cortisone) solution, which decreases the itching and irritation dramatically. Apply these lightly, and then allow drying completely prior to placing on your new skin barrier. These medications have a slightly oily base, which means your skin barrier probably will not stay on as long as you are accustomed. This procedure will relieve the itching and promote healing. Skin heals better covered by a skin barrier than it would be aired out. Do not use any steroidal spray as part of your regular changing routine. Steroids are absorbed into your system through the skin. Moreover, steroids will thin the skin compounding peristomal skin issues.
If there are actual pustules around each hair follicle, you may need to use an antibiotic powder such as Polysporin powder to clear the problem. All the products mentioned above require a prescription to obtain.
Folliculitis is not as common a concern as skin breakdown or yeast infections, but it is very annoying when it does happen. I hope that these hints will help.
