Female, 75 years old

Severe excoriation of the immediate and distal peristomal skin was causing this patient pain and distress. She now has renewed confidence to go out more, thanks to the healing power of Alginate.

Observations on referral - Image 1

Severe excoriation of the immediate and distal peristomal skin, red and inflamed, causing pain and distress to the patient.

Complications or problems being experienced

Leaks from original bags and seals being used leading to digestive enzymes on the parastomal skin, causing excoriation and burning of the skin.

Community visits

Prior to starting on the Oakmed Alginate Drainable bags the patient required daily hospital appointments to review the situation which was difficult for the patient and also more clinic/nursing time. Within 4 days the skin was virtually healed, just a small macerated area around the peristomal skin.

Treatment

The patient was started with an Alginate Soft Convex Drainable bag for their stoma, with the aim to reduce the inflamed peristomal skin and promote comfort. The sodium alginate from the seaweed within the alginate flange softens and soothes skin, whilst the highly absorbent properties of the alginate flange draw excess moisture away from the skin promoting healing and granulating tissue.

The photos demonstrate the incredible improvement of the peristomal skin within a 24 hour time frame and over the subsequent four days. Each day the improvement and reduction of inflamed skin was clearly evident. By day 4 the improvement was significant, and the skin appeared fully healed with some minor maceration directly around the stoma.

The patient and staff felt the bag was “magical”.

Outcome

The outcome is that the patient has a renewed confidence in the stoma bag allowing them to go out more. The pain score has reduced to zero as all the skin has healed. The patient is using less bags and no accessory products i.e. creams/wipes. Therefore a cost effective way to manage the sore skin, reduction in nursing time and money.

The patient will be continuing to use the Oakmed Alginate Soft Convex bags long term as they can be used as a standard bag and not just for problem skin.