Why does a colostomy bag leak

Alternatively, you might be applying your stoma bag incorrectly which could be resulting in creases in the adhesive. If you would like a free measuring guide or advice about how to correctly apply your stoma bag, you can call the CliniMed Careline on There are stoma bags available which are specifically designed to counteract the problems experienced with these types of stomas, such as Aura Convex. If you have a parastomal hernia and are experiencing leaks you may wish to try using a stoma bag with a mouldable, inverted flange such as Aura Profile.

Stoma pastes are also useful for creating a smoother, more even surface on skin with dips and scar lines. Sign Up Here. Your sample has been added to your order basket. Select one of the options below to continue. View your sample order basket Continue adding samples. Please note: We are currently unable to supply sample products to the USA. We apologise for any inconvenience. If you would like to discuss your sample requirements please email samples salts.

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There can be many reasons that the pouching system may leak. Below are some common causes and suggested solutions. If you are unable to determine why your pouching system is leaking, make an appointment with the ostomy nurses in the stoma clinic for an evaluation. If the skin around the stoma does not appear to be similar to the skin on rest of your abdomen, it is likely that you have a skin issue that needs to be addressed.

The skin barrier should protect your skin. If the skin is irritated red, moist, or sore to the touch , the pouch seal can fail and leakage. Be sure that the fit of the skin barrier is adequate see above , that you are using the correct size and shape of skin barrier see above , and that you are wearing the pouching system for a reasonable amount of time. A less common cause for red irritated skin around the stoma is a reaction to the products in the pouching system.

In this case, the redness is located in the area where the offending product is located. A new product should be considered.

If the cause for the irritation cannot be determined, make an appointment in the stoma clinic. Our ostomy nurses will work with you to help identify and correct the cause of the problem. Once the reason for the skin irritation is determined and the cause corrected consider treating the irritated skin as follows: after gently cleansing the area with warm water, and drying the area, sprinkle the irritated skin with skin barrier powder, rub gently into the skin and brush off the excess.

Apply the new pouching system. The skin barrier powder can dry the skin to provide a dry surface to adhere the pouching system. Use this online tool to help you assess your peristomal skin. Denuded skin refers to skin irritation caused by exposure to urine, feces or body fluids. This image shows denuded skin of a patient with a loop ileostomy.

First, examine your stoma and determine where blood is coming from. Then gently press the spot with a clean, dry pad. This usually stops the bleeding.

If minor bleeding continues for more than a few minutes, or if you notice blood in your stool, please contact your ostomy nurse for guidance.

In rare cases when bleeding is heavy, this could be a sign of a larger problem. Go to the emergency room for immediate treatment. If you are unable to contact your ostomy nurse or health care provider, go to the local ER.

Ostomy Care Directions. Ostomy Diet Guidelines. Ostomy Support Group Handout. Ostomy Suppliers. Ostomy References. Skin Condition Worksheet.