Urostomy: Managing Skin Problems

Common skin problems

If your pouch leaks, use a measuring guide to check that the pouch opening is the correct size.

Be on the lookout for these skin problems:

• A leaking pouch can make the skin red, sore, and wet (weepy). This may be caused by a pouch with an opening that's too big or too small. Use a measuring guide to check that the opening on the pouch is the right size.

• Allergies to skin barriers can make the skin itch, burn, or sting. You may need to try a new skin barrier or change to a new kind of pouch.

• Yeast infections can make the skin red and itchy. These infections are more likely if there’s sweat on the skin under the pouch. A pouch cover can help keep the skin beyond the skin barrier dry. You may need to ask your ostomy nurse or other healthcare provider about using antifungal products.

• Urine pooling on the skin can make the skin sore. To prevent this, make sure your pouch fits well. Dry your skin thoroughly before you put on a new pouch.

• Hair under the pouch can make the skin inflamed. To prevent this, shave off any hair around the stoma with an electric razor. Always shave away from the stoma.

• Urine can crystallize and form patches of dried urine on the stoma. To prevent this, put a washcloth soaked in equal parts vinegar and water on your stoma for a few minutes. Do this each time you change your pouch.