Help & Healing for Sore, Red, Itchy, or Burning Skin Around a Stoma.
Learn how to manage and prevent common ostomy skin problems such as soreness, redness, itching, and burning. This video explains the causes of peristomal skin irritation, provides practical steps you can take at home to promote healing, and identifies when it’s essential to contact a WOC nurse or clinician for professional care.
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Understand why skin irritation happens
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Step-by-step strategies for soothing sore skin
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When to seek medical help for ostomy complications
By Star Harrison, RN, BSN, WOCN, and Ostomy 101 Inc. Nonprofit
Managing Leaks with Confidence
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Pouch function and wear time
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What normal looks like
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What is a leak
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Early warning signs
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How to address and prevent a leak
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How to care for compromised skin
By Ari' Summerfield, RN, BSN, CWOCN, and Ostomy 101 Nonprofit
What is a WOCN, and when to call one?
A WOCN (Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse) is a specialized nurse trained to provide care and support for individuals with ostomies. Call a WOCN if you experience persistent skin irritation, leakage, or if you're having trouble managing your stoma care. They can offer guidance on proper techniques and product use.
More reasons to speak with a WOCN
Education and Training:
WOC Nurses can provide valuable education and training on caring for your stoma and surrounding skin, ensuring you understand the best practices to prevent complications.
Emotional Support:
WOC Nurses offer emotional support and counseling, helping patients cope with the psychological impacts of living with an ostomy, thereby significantly improving quality of life.
Product Recommendations:
WOC Nurses are knowledgeable about the latest products
and technologies for ostomy care. They can recommend the most suitable products for
your specific needs.
Problem-Solving:
WOC Nurses can help troubleshoot any issues with your ostomy appliance, such as leaks or skin irritation, and suggest practical solutions to improve appliance performance and comfort. Long-Term Management: WOC Nurses assist in the long-term management of an ostomy, ensuring that ongoing care needs are met effectively
When to call the doctor or go to the Emergency Department?
Contact your doctor or go to the emergency department if you notice signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or foul odor), significant changes in the stoma's appearance (such as becoming dark, black, or pale), severe pain, or if you have a blockage and are unable to pass stool for more than 24 hours.
How long should my pouching system last?
You should get a minumum of 48 hours wear time without leaking.
Empty your pouch when it is 1/3 full.
It is common for pouching systems to last 3-7 days.
Consult a WOC Nurse if you experience consistent leaks, skin breakdown or irritation, pain, or having trouble managing your ostomy care.
How to secure and manage ostomy supplies
Ostomy supplies are a prescription item. Often, ostomy supplies are partially covered by insurance, but can also be purchased directly from a cash pay provider.
Ostomy supplies are typically ordered and delivered through a durable medical equipment provider contracted with your insurance.
Most local pharmacies do not carry ostomy supplies
Colostomy & Ileostomy Problem Solving
American College of Surgeons
How to get a good Seal
Urostomy Problem Solving
American College of Surgeons
Ostomy Paste vs Barrier Ring
Keeping peristomal skin healthy
Your guide to understanding
and gaining confidence with your ostomy
Free Video Library
Colostomy Surgery and Digestion
Using an anatomical apron, this video provides a clear and approachable explanation of colostomy surgery and how the digestive system works.
by Joy Hooper, RN, BSN, CWOCN, OMS, WCC
and Ostomy 101 Nonprofit
Ileostomy Surgery and Digestion
Using an anatomical apron, this video provides a clear, approachable explanation of Ileostomy surgery and its effects on the digestive system.
by Joy Hooper, RN, BSN, CWOCN, OMS, WCC
and Ostomy 101 Nonprofit
Stoma Construction
What is an End Stoma & Loop Stoma
Using an anatomical apron, this video provides a clear and approachable explanation of different stoma types and how they are created
by Joy Hooper, RN, BSN, CWOCN, OMS, WCC
and Ostomy 101 Nonprofit
What to expect right after ostomy surgery
This video brings together an ostomy nurse’s expertise and a patient’s real-life experience to explore what to expect after ostomy surgery
By Star Harrison, RN, BSN, WOCN, and Ostomy 101 Inc. Nonprofit
What does a normal stoma look like?
A normal stoma is pink or red and moist. It has properties similar to those of the inside of the mouth. It may have a slight amount of mucus or minor bleeding initially after surgery, but it should not be excessively painful or have a foul odor.
Is this Normal? - Healthy Stoma & Skin
This video explains what a healthy stoma and surrounding skin should look and feel like, and when to contact an ostomy nurse.
By Star Harrison, RN, BSN, WOCN, and Ostomy 101 Inc. Nonprofit
Healthy skin around the stoma
Peristomal skin is the abdominal skin around your stoma. It should look like the skin on the rest of the abdomen. It should be free of redness, irritation, or rashes.
What is a WOCN, and when to call one?
A WOCN (Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse) is a specialized nurse trained and certified to provide care and support for individuals with ostomies.
Call a WOCN if you experience persistent skin irritation, leakage, or if you're having trouble managing your stoma care. They can offer guidance on proper techniques and product use.
Corstrata Virtual Ostomy Support Services
Pouching Systems and Ongoing Supplies
What are the different types of ostomy pouching systems, how each one functions, how to request free ostomy product samples, and guidance on accessing ostomy supplies in the U.S.
By Star Harrison, RN, BSN, WOCN, and Ostomy 101 Inc. Nonprofit
What is all this extra stuff?
Learn about ostomy accessories. What they do and how they can help prevent leaks, protect your skin, and improve comfort. Barrier rings, paste, barrier strips, tapes
By Star Harrison, RN, BSN, WOCN, and Ostomy 101 Inc. Nonprofit
Help & Healing for Sore, Red, Itchy, or Burning Skin Around a Stoma. Learn how to manage and prevent common ostomy skin problems such as soreness, redness, itching, and burning. This educational video explains the causes of peristomal skin irritation, provides practical steps you can take at home to promote healing, and identifies when it’s essential to contact a WOC nurse or clinician for professional care.
✔️ Understand why skin irritation happens
✔️ Step-by-step strategies for soothing sore skin
✔️ When to seek medical help for
ostomy complications
MORE Ostomy Accessories & Problem Solvers
Pouch covers, stoma protectors, liners, and other helpful tools designed to make ostomy life easier.
Hernias: This video explains why people with ostomies are at higher risk, shares four practical ways to help prevent them, and offers guidance on when to use a support belt, how to spot warning signs, and when it’s important to see your doctor.
By Star Harrison, RN, BSN, WOCN, and Ostomy101 Inc. Nonprofit
Ostomy Surgery
Navigating the Emotional Journey
Battling Fear & gaining confidence
Ostomy Skills Education from the American College of Surgeons
Welcome
What is an Ostomy?
Your Colostomy/Ileostomy Operation
Emptying a Colsotmy or Ileostomy Pouch
Colostomy/Ileostomy Pouching Systems
Changing a Colostomy or Ileostomy Pouch
Your Urostomy Operation
Urostomy Pouching Systems
Emptying a Urostomy Pouch
Ostomy Nutrition
Amalia Karlin Ostomate and Registered Dietitian
Changing a Urostomy Pouch
Ostomy Nutrition Video Time Stamps
03:00 Speaker Introductions
05:20 Amalia's story (Ostomate)
06:30 Ostomy nutrition and reintroducing foods
09:08 Managing expectations
11:21 Hydration needs
14:00 Hydration and kidney health
20:13 Fiber
24:06 Food blockages
27:37 Quality of life considerations
33:54 Speaker ends
34:00 Audience questions and answers
1:35:00 End
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