If you are experiencing issues with your pouch not sticking to your skin on application, it is often due to residue from your previous appliances. Your skin should be completely clean and dry to secure optimal adhesion. Here are some tips that might help.

• The skin surrounding the stoma should be clean and dry before applying a new pouch.
• When cleaning the skin around the stoma, cover the stoma with a tissue to prevent the output contacting the skin.
• Avoid using wet or baby wipes as they can interfere with adhesion.
• Check that the hole in the stoma pouch is the right size.
• If there is a lot of hair on the skin surrounding the stoma – shave it off – protect the stoma with a tissue to prevent causing damage to the stoma.
• Only shave on alternate weeks to protect the skin.

The skin around your stoma may be uneven due to creases or folds, this can vary from person to person and is common if you have lost or gained weight.

Uneven skin can cause your pouch to not sit snugly against your skin, which may lead to leakages or sore skin.

Creating a flat surface by filling in dips and creases before applying the pouch will help to prevent leakages or sore skin. A flatter skin surface can be achieved by stretching the crease or skin fold before applying a pouch or accessory product.

You might find eakin Cohesive^® paste useful.

• Try not to lift anything heavy within first 6-8 weeks following surgery.
• If you intend to do any strenuous work when you have fully recovered from your surgery, you should wear a support belt to protect the abdominal muscles.
• Try and commence exercises to strengthen the core abdominal muscles ( seek professional advice from physiotherapist).
• The shape and size of the stoma may change due to an enlarged hernia. Measure the stoma regularly to ensure your pouch accurately fits the size of the stoma.
• A more flexible baseplate will achieve a better fit.

Most people like to change their baseplate once or twice a week. In a recent study in the Netherlands there was an average increase in weartime of 59% when people switched to eakin dot which uses skinsmart^TM adhesive for longer-life wear. When the eakin dot baseplate is secure you can leave it in place for as long as you feel comfortable and remain leak free.