Managing stoma leaks
Leaks can be awkward and embarrassing, but they’re also common. So, we’ve rounded up the tried-and-tested stoma leak solutions that will help you fix the situation quickly.
Leaks: why they happen and what you can do about them
Here’s a run-down of the most common issues behind stoma pouch leaks, and how to deal with them.
You’ve got skin creases and folds
Soft, smooth skin is the dream. 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 pouch doesn’t quite fit as snugly as you’d like it to, which – you guessed it – 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 pouch is going on.
- Using a convex pouch can also be useful to contour around these folds, however, you should consult with your stoma care nurse before changing to a convex pouch.
- A seal will mould around your stoma which is great for preventing leaks caused by creases and folds.
- eakin Cohesive paste can be used to fill creases and folds, further reducing the risk of leaks.
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. But here’s how to fix the issue with a few tweaks to your routine:
- eakin Cohesive paste can help fill in gaps from these areas that result in leaks.
- As the name suggests, seals can help create that perfect ‘seal’ between the skin and your bag.
- Flange extenders can help contour adhesive around tricky areas.
- Adding a support belt to your stoma bag can be helpful to keep the bag in place.
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 pouch is fitting snugly when you’ve got a hernia:
- Changing/reviewing your current pouch is important if you develop a hernia as your body shape will change around the stoma.
- A 2-piece bag may be helpful if the hernia has impacted your visibility around the stoma.
- Flange extenders will increase the surface area of the baseplate, as well as adding flexibility to achieve a secure fit.
- Seals will help mould and flex around the stoma and eakin Cohesive stomawrap can be especially useful for covering a larger area and impaired visibility of the stoma.
- Wearing a support belt if you have a hernia will help to provide support and comfort, we advise you get measured by a HCP to ensure you get the right support for you.
You’re dealing with loose output
Stoma leaks often happen thanks to loose or liquid output – and 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 seals provide everyday protection and security; they are the most absorbent seals on the market which is important if your ouput is loose to reduce the risk of leaks.
- Perform solidifying agents will increase pouch wear time, discretion, comfort and security if you have loose output.
- A 2-piece pouch can help if you feel you need to change the bag more often due to loose output without having to remove the baseplate from skin every time.
Your stoma pouch isn’t the right one for you
Your stoma, activity level, lifestyle, body shape will change from time to time so a stoma pouch that worked well for you at one stage may not always be the right fit for you. That’s why having choice is so important. Your stoma care nurse will be able to help you with this. But in the meantime, here’s what we recommend:
- A convex pouch may be required. If you feel you would benefit from a convex pouch please consult with your stoma care nurse.
- A 2-piece pouch – as your lifestyle changes you may feel that the options provided by a 2 piece pouch, whether it is flat or convex allows you to continue living the life you want.
Your stoma pouch 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:
- Seals are a great option to protect exposed skin if the pouch is not cut to the right size.
The help you need when you want it
You deserve to be the best version of yourself. And if you need some help along the way, there’s an incredible community of straight-talking ambassadors to give you support when you need it.
