How to Use Stoma Powder
Stoma powder is a non-medicated powder (usually made of cellulose, pectin and gelatin) that’s applies to the skin around the stoma. It absorbs moisture from raw, weeping skin, helping it to heal.
Stoma powder is not the same thing as talc or baby powder, so you can’t substitute those products. It’s also important to know that stoma powder doesn’t prevent skin irritation — it only helps to heal existing skin problems. Once your skin heals, you should stop using the stoma powder. If your skin keeps getting worse and won’t heal, contact your healthcare provider.
This quick guide will show you how to apply stoma powder.
Step 1: Clean and dry the skin around your stoma
Clean the skin as your healthcare provider recommends, either with water or with a gentle soap. Rinse and dry the skin. Don’t use any alcohol, lotions, or oils on your skin.
Step 2: Apply a small amount of stoma powder
Apply powder only to raw and weepy skin. Use gauze or tissue to gently press the powder onto the problem areas, then brush away any extra powder. Don’t leave any stoma powder on the surrounding intact skin, because it can prevent your ostomy skin barrier from sticking properly.
Step 3: Use the crusting technique if your skin is severely damaged
Crusting is the process of building a protective barrier over damaged, weeping skin. First, apply a thin layer of stoma powder as described in step 2. Then, use a spray-on barrier film or a skin protective wipe to seal it. You can repeat the process to build up the protective barrier.
Read more: How to Crust Around Your Stoma
Step 4: Apply your one- or two-piece ostomy pouch as usual
If stoma paste irritates your skin, an ostomy barrier ring may be a better choice.