Skin Problems Around a Stoma: Why They Happen and What To Do About Them
Skin Problems Around a Stoma: Why They Happen and What To Do About Them
Red, sore, itchy or burning skin around a stoma can be uncomfortable and stressful. It can also make it harder for an ostomy pouch or baseplate to stay secure, especially if leakage or adhesive irritation is involved.
This guide helps you understand what may be happening, what to check first, which product categories may help, and when to contact a stoma nurse or healthcare professional.
Quick Answer
Skin around a stoma should usually look similar to the skin on the rest of your abdomen. Redness, soreness, itching, burning, weeping skin, broken skin or repeated pouch leakage may suggest irritation or skin damage.
The first things to check are pouch fit, leakage, moisture, adhesive removal technique and product sensitivity. If the skin is broken, weeping, bleeding, very painful or not improving, contact a stoma nurse or clinician.
Is It Normal for Skin Around a Stoma to Be Red, Sore or Itchy?
Mild temporary redness after removing an adhesive barrier can happen. However, ongoing redness, soreness, itching, burning, weeping or broken skin should not be treated as normal.
The skin around your stoma is called peristomal skin. In most cases, healthy peristomal skin should look and feel similar to the skin elsewhere on your abdomen. If the skin is irritated, the pouch may not stick as well, which can increase the risk of leakage and further skin damage.
What Should I Do Right Now?
If your skin is red, itchy, sore or burning, start by checking the most likely cause. The table below is not a diagnosis, but it can help you decide what to review first.
| Problem | First Thing To Check | What You Can Do | When To Seek Help |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red skin around the stoma | Leakage under the barrier | Check pouch fit, wear time and barrier opening size | If redness spreads, worsens or does not improve |
| Itchy skin | Moisture or product sensitivity | Keep skin dry and review any new wipes, sprays or adhesives | If itching is persistent or associated with rash |
| Burning or stinging | Output touching irritated skin | Check for leaks and avoid applying harsh products to broken skin | If pain is significant or the skin is raw |
| Painful pouch removal | Adhesive trauma | Remove slowly and consider an ostomy adhesive remover | If skin tears, bleeds or remains sore |
| Weeping or broken skin | More serious irritation or skin breakdown | Protect the area and avoid repeated product experimentation | Contact a stoma nurse or clinician |
| Frequent pouch lifting or leaks | Poor fit, moisture, skin folds or barrier choice | Review pouching system and accessories | If leakage continues despite changes |
The 5 Most Common Causes of Skin Problems Around a Stoma
1. Leakage
Output under the barrier can irritate the skin and weaken adhesion. Even small leaks can create a cycle of irritation and poor pouch security.
2. Poor Pouch Fit
If the barrier opening is too large, output can reach the skin. If it is too small, it may rub or create pressure around the stoma.
3. Frequent Adhesive Removal
Removing an adhesive barrier too quickly or too often may strip or irritate fragile skin.
4. Moisture
Sweat, weeping skin or incomplete drying after cleaning can reduce adhesion and increase friction.
5. Product Sensitivity
Some people react to adhesives, wipes, sprays, cleansers or barrier products. New irritation after a product change should be reviewed.
Fit Still Matters
If you are still comparing ostomy systems, read Medisa’s Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Ostomy Bag.
How to Fix Common Stoma Skin Problems
The best solution depends on the cause. Use the sections below to match the symptom with likely causes and practical next steps.
Red Skin Around a Stoma
Red skin may be caused by leakage, friction, moisture, adhesive removal or sensitivity to a product.
Itchy Skin Around a Stoma
Itching may be linked to moisture, sweating, product sensitivity or skin irritation under the barrier.
Burning Skin Under an Ostomy Barrier
Burning or stinging may happen when stoma output reaches irritated or broken skin.
Painful Skin When Removing a Pouch
Pain during removal may be caused by strong adhesion, fast removal, repeated changes or fragile skin.
Weeping or Broken Skin Around a Stoma
Weeping or broken skin may suggest more significant irritation or skin breakdown. This should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.
Which Products May Help Protect Peristomal Skin?
Product choice depends on your skin, stoma type, pouching system, output and clinical advice. The categories below are commonly used in ostomy skin care routines.
| Skin Issue | Product Category | How It May Help | Medisa Collection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painful adhesive removal | Adhesive removers | May reduce pulling and skin trauma during pouch or baseplate removal | Adhesive Removers |
| Red or irritated skin | Barrier sprays and protective films | May create a protective layer between the skin, output and adhesives | Barrier Spray |
| Repeated leakage | Ostomy pouching systems and accessories | A better-fitting system may help reduce leakage and protect the skin | Ostomy Products |
| Poor pouch adhesion | Skin preparation and accessory products | May support a cleaner, drier surface for pouch application | Ostomy Accessories |
Brand Solutions Available at Medisa
Medisa stocks a range of ostomy brands and accessories. The right brand or product type depends on your pouching system, skin condition and healthcare advice.
Coloplast Ostomy
Coloplast ostomy products include pouching systems and Brava support products commonly used for adhesive removal, skin protection and accessory support.
ConvaTec Ostomy
ConvaTec ostomy products include pouching systems and skin care support options such as Esenta and Stomahesive products used in ostomy care routines.
Hollister Ostomy
Hollister ostomy systems and accessories may support daily pouching needs, comfort and routine stoma care depending on individual requirements.
Dansac Stoma Care
Dansac stoma care products include ostomy systems and adhesive management options used by people looking for practical support during pouch changes.
When to Contact a Stoma Nurse
A stoma nurse can help identify whether the issue is related to pouch fit, leakage, output, skin condition, product sensitivity or application technique.
Seek professional advice if you notice:
- Broken, bleeding or weeping skin
- Increasing pain, swelling or spreading redness
- Possible infection signs
- Repeated leakage despite product changes
- A stoma that has changed size, shape or colour
- Skin irritation that does not improve
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the skin around my stoma red?
Red skin around a stoma may be caused by leakage, friction, moisture, adhesive trauma or sensitivity to products. If redness continues or worsens, seek advice from a stoma nurse or clinician.
Is sore skin around a stoma normal?
Mild temporary redness after adhesive removal can happen, but ongoing soreness, burning, weeping or broken skin should not be treated as normal.
Can a leaking ostomy pouch damage the skin?
Yes. Stoma output can irritate the skin when it gets under the barrier. Repeated leakage can also reduce adhesion and make skin problems worse.
Why does my skin burn under my ostomy barrier?
Burning may occur when output reaches irritated or broken skin. It may also be related to product sensitivity or skin damage under the barrier.
What helps painful adhesive removal?
Removing the pouch slowly, supporting the skin and using an ostomy adhesive remover may help reduce pulling during pouch changes.
Do barrier sprays help with red skin around a stoma?
Barrier sprays and protective films may help create a protective layer between the skin, adhesives and output. They should be used according to product instructions and clinical advice.
What should I do if the skin around my stoma is weeping?
Weeping skin should be reviewed by a stoma nurse, GP or wound care clinician. Continuing to experiment with products on damaged skin may make the problem worse.
Should I change my pouching system if my skin is irritated?
Sometimes irritation is related to pouch fit, leakage, wear time, adhesive removal or product sensitivity. A stoma nurse can help review whether your system needs adjustment.
