I'm an LPN and I am working with a resident who has a

Thank you for the query and the details.

The gel is essential to help prevent the leak of urine.

Here are a few tips to help secure the bag properly and prevent leaks:

Make sure your skin barrier fits properly. A skin barrier that fits well around your stoma helps protect your skin from being irritated or damaged by drainage. It doesn’t really matter whether your stoma is large or small, or whether it protrudes or not, as long as the drainage flows into your pouch without leaking under the skin barrier.

Suggestions:

• Apply the skin barrier, making sure it fits where the skin and stoma meet
• Verify that no skin is showing between the skin barrier and the stoma
• Apply stoma powder to any open skin before applying your new pouching system
• Discontinue use of stoma powder when peristomal skin is no longer weepy or moist to the touch. If red, but not moist, stoma power is not necessary.

Change your ostomy pouch on a regular basis. It is important to change your pouch on a regular basis before it is susceptible to leakage. An overfilled or overweight pouch causes undue strain on your skin barrier attachment to the skin, which could lead to leakage.

Suggestions:

• Change your pouch on a regular schedule before it leaks
• Pouching system wear time is based on personal preference, your unique stoma, and output
• Twice a week changes are considered usual

Make sure your ostomy pouch is secure during exercise or physical activity. If you are participating in sporting activities or other forms of exercise, you can wear certain clothing or accessories that can help ease your concerns. The same goes for other “physical activities” (i.e. sex).

Suggestions:

• Use a support garment or an ostomy wrap to keep the pouch securely in place
• Try different sports attire, such as running tights or Lycra® shorts, to see what works best
• It’s also a good idea to empty your pouch before exercise or having sex

Take special care when removing your ostomy skin barrier. Improperly or rapidly removing of your skin barrier could cause skin stripping. The associated damage could lead to irritation, pain, and leaks.

Suggestions:

• Take your time – gentle and slow is best
• Gently peel the barrier away from skin, starting at the top and working downwards, while pressing against the surrounding skin

Find the right product mix for you. There are many ostomy products and accessories that are designed to ensure good skin health and help prevent leakage. Every stoma is unique, so you will need to determine what is best for you by working with your stoma care nurse, as well as trial and error.

Suggestions:

• Keep up on the latest products and research
• If you have broken skin around your stoma, use a stoma powder (not talcum powder) to absorb moisture and protect your peristomal skin.
• Try other leakage prevention products, such as skin barrier rings, paste, and strips