Adhesive Not Sticking - Using soap and water only to clean the skin may result in a buildup of adhesive residue which prevents the appliance from sticking. Use a remover (Uni-Solve, Bard, or Hollister removers, etc.), then wash carefully before reapplication.

Applying Pouch or Wafer - Stand as erect as possible for the best fit. Use a large mirror if possible to prevent bending over. If you cannot stand, lie down. Do not apply while sitting since the abdomen is distorted.

Color - Fecal or urinary output can change color due to some medications and/or foods. For instance, beets will turn fecal material dark red, while some of the dyes used in kidney tests can turn urine bright yellow, and iron supplements will darken stool and urine. If there is a color change in your output, recall what you have eaten or taken in the past few days. Then, if there is a question, call your doctor or E.T.

Creams - Some creams or gels will work under the appliance, but only if they are rubbed in completely and no residue is left on the skin. Rub until the finger feels dry, then wipe with a tissue to pickup any left on the surface. Consult a professional about appropriate creams.

E.T. Nurse - She's one of your best friends. She will be happy to help you with your problems, and you should see her for a stoma checkup periodically.

Gained or Lost Weight - This can cause leakage. See your E.T. Nurse for a reevaluation and refitting.

Liquid Barrier - (Skin Prep, Bard Barrier, Skin Gel, Shield Skin, etc.). Use sparingly; just one thin coat and do not go back over it. Let it dry completely. Do not use under wafers such as Stomahesive, Sur-Fit, Hollihesive, Hollister Premium, etc., because the wafers are good for the skin and the barrier might make them ineffective. The barrier is for use under adhesive tape.

New Bags - Always put a little air in the bag when putting on a new one, and after each emptying.

Night Drain - For Urostomies. When hooking up to the night drain receiver, leave some urine in the appliance, hook up, then let the urine drain into the receiver. This prevents a vacuum from forming in the pouch, which can cause leakage.

Odor - Nowadays, all appliances are odor-proof as long as the seal is intact. Pouch deodorants are more for your own convenience; so their use is personal choice. We have liquid and tablet deodorants for use in the pouch, as well as tablets to be taken internally.

Paste Is Not Glue - The purpose of paste (Stomahesive, Hollihesive, Premium, etc.) is to help prevent leaks around the stoma. The best way is to apply a small ring of paste on the adhesive side of the wafer or pouch, right around the stoma opening and then put the appliance on. There is no harm done if some of the paste oozes up around the stoma. Pastes are also useful for filling in scars or ditches or wrinkles. Fill in while standing straight to get the best level surface. Let it dry some before putting on appliance.

Skin Level Stomas leak easily, and the best prevention is use of convexity. See your E.T. nurse or retailer about available products.

Soap - Wash the stoma area with one of the special ostomy cleansers (Uni-Wash, Hygiene One, Peri-Wash, etc.) or with Dial. Avoid any soap with cream or oil.

Storage of Appliances - Avoid extreme heat or cold as well as high humidity. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not refrigerate. When leaving supplies in your car, leave out of direct sunlight and only for a short time. Do not carry in the trunk or glove compartment.

Urostomy Wicks - When changing a urostomy, roll a 4 x 4 gauze pad tightly and wrap with tape to hold it. Place one end over the opening in the stoma; it will wick up the urine and allow you time to clean the area. Make several so that when one gets soaked it can be discarded and quickly replaced.