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Stoma Problems

A doctor may create a stoma during a surgical procedure. A stoma connects the lower portion of the colon to the outside of the belly and is used to eliminate fecal waste from the body into a pouch.

  1. Red Wet Skin

    • According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, a waste pouch may not effectively seal around a stoma if the skin around the stoma opening is red or wet. Patients should report this skin condition to a doctor and they may use prescribed medicine to treat the skin.

    Leaking

    • The skin around a stoma may become inflamed and sore if the stoma leaks. If this occurs, patients may need medical help to reduce the inflammation.

    Hair

    • Hair on the skin around a stoma may prevent a pouch from effectively sticking to the skin. Patients may need to shave hair that grows on areas of skin surrounding the stoma.

    Longer Stoma

    • A stoma may become longer and stick out of the belly more than usual. Individuals may apply ice wrapped inside a towel or another cold compress to the stoma in order to reduce its length.

    Bleeding

    • Patients may notice slight bleeding when they clean a stoma. Problems related to stoma bleeding should be reported to a doctor.

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