Q: Do I need to use any soap or special cleansers on my skin?
A: Less is more. Soaps can leave residues that can cause irritation under the flange. They can also change the pH of the skin, which is an important part of keeping skin healthy. Some soaps have moisturizers that can make it hard for your pouching system to stick well. Medical cleansers aren’t necessary either. Just use water.
Q: Why doesn’t the basic change say anything about powder or skin barrier films (Skin Prep, Cavilon, etc.)?
A: Powder is used like a sponge – it soaks up extra moisture from damaged skin. It is not used when skin is healthy and clear. In fact, powder on the skin makes it harder for your flange to stick. It’s like trying to stick tape to sawdust. The seal will not be successful.
Skin barrier films are only used to create a smooth layer over powder. It is not something needed with each change. Putting a film barrier on the skin will make the skin smooth by filling in all of the pores and folds. The flanges are designed to grab on to your skin by melting into the microscopic pores and folds in your skin. Skin barrier films make it harder to get a good seal.
Q: What kind of paper towel should I use?
A: We recommend a high quality paper towel like Bounty. This is because it doesn’t leave a papery residue on your skin. Toilet paper is not recommended for cleaning or drying your skin.
Q: Do I need to heat up my flange to help it stick?
A: Flanges do not need to be warmed up before application. The heat of your body will start to make your flange adhere right away. If you like, you can put a hand over it for 30 seconds, but you do not have to. You do not need to hold a warm blanket over it, you do not need to use a heating pad, and you do not need to take more than 30 seconds to get it to stick.
If you find you are not getting a good seal, your flange may not be an ideal fit for your body, or you may have a residue of some sort on your skin interfering with your seal.
Q: Do I need to press my flange on firmly to get a good seal?
A: The only pressure we recommend is applying a light pressure around your stoma to get the flange and ring and skin to come together. More pressure will not make a better seal.
Q: Do I need to be still for a half-hour to get my pouch to make a good seal?
A: Your flange will start to stick right away. You do not need to put your life on hold after changing your pouching system. If you’d like to take a rest, go ahead, but don’t do it on account of your stoma.
Q: Can I use baby wipes, either at home, or in my emergency kit, for cleaning my skin?
A: Wipes are not recommended. They contain chemicals that will not be washed off. It is hard to know how they will affect the skin when they are sealed in by the flange. Wipes also can contain moisturizers that will interfere with your seal. A better option is to keep a ziploc bag of dry paper towels you can moisten at the sink.