Stoma leakage prevention
Leaks, skin irritation, soreness, itching, and baseplates wearing away quickly are just some of the everyday problems we set out to solve with our trusted eakin® freeseal range.
Stoma leaks: why they happen and how an eakin® freeseal is a solution that will help you fix the situation
Here’s a run-down of the most common issues behind stoma leaks, and how to deal with them:
You’ve got skin creases and folds
Soft, smooth skin is the dream but it’s also often not the reality. Skin tone and texture varies from person to person, and you might find that the skin around your stoma is uneven. The result? Your stoma bag doesn’t quite fit as snugly as you’d like it to which can cause leaks. Here’s what you can do about it:
- We encourage you to stretch the skin, so the creases and folds are smooth when the bag is going on.
- An eakin® freeseal will mould around your stoma which is great for preventing leaks caused by creases and folds.
Your stoma is not in the best spot
If your stoma is sitting too close to your bellybutton, scars or hipbone these scenarios can lead to leaks.
- As the name suggests, eakin® freeseal can help create that perfect ‘seal’ between the skin and your bag.
You’ve got a hernia
A parastomal hernia appears when part of the bowel pushes through a weakness in the muscles around your stoma resulting in swelling or a bulge. This can alter the size and shape of your stoma and cause the peristomal area to be uneven and irregular making it a prime candidate for leaks. Here’s how to make sure your stoma bag’s fitting snugly when you’ve got a hernia:
- Changing/reviewing your current bag is important if you develop a hernia as your body shape will change around the stoma.
- eakin® freeseal will help mould and flex around the stoma.
You’re dealing with loose output
Stoma leaks often happen thanks to loose or liquid output. Medications, a change in diet, fluid intake and infection or illness can all contribute to this. Loose output can lead to an increased risk of dehydration, monitor for signs of dehydration and if you are concerned, reach out to your stoma nurse. You can try thickening up your output by adding bananas, marshmallows, natural yoghurts, and even jelly (yes, really) into your diet. Here’s what else you need to know:
- eakin® freeseal provide everyday protection and security; they are the most absorbent seals on the market which is important if your output is loose to reduce the risk of leaks.
Your stoma bag is the wrong size
Your stoma will shrink in the first 6 to 8 weeks, so it’s important to use your measuring guide to make sure you’re cutting your bag for an ideal fit. You will see the biggest stoma changes in the first 6-8 weeks but the size of your stoma can change at any stage of your stoma journey. If the hole’s too big, you risk exposing your skin to output. If the hole’s too small, it might not stick and stay in place. Here’s how to get the perfect fit so you can avoid future leaks:
- Did you know our sister company, Respond Healthcare, provide a bespoke cutting service for your bag? Click here to find out more.
- eakin® freeseal are a great option to protect exposed skin if the bag is not cut to the right size.
Which seal is the right one for you?
With a range of thicknesses and starter hole sizes, there’s a freeseal® for everyone!
eakin freeseal® air is a thin seal for use where your stoma is low profile, retracted or flush to your tummy.
– Ultra-thin with a barely-there feel
– Ultra-absorbent to help prevent leaks
– Easy to shape for a personalised fit
– Removes cleanly – no mess, no fuss
eakin freeseal® versa is a thicker seal for extra versatility, to fit those dips and creases!
– Thicker for added protection and reassurance
– Helps manage higher output and prevent leaks
– Moulds into dips and creases for a secure fit
– Supports longer wear time
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Find your fit guide
Not quite sure what size your stoma is?
You can check your baseplate to see what size you have cut it to – typically they have numbers to guide you when cutting, or you can use our handy guide below:
- 10-18mm for stomas no bigger than a standard coat button
- 18-30mm for stomas no bigger than a cherry tomato
- 30mm+ for stomas bigger than a bottle cap
The help you need when you want it
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