Caring for peristomal skin: what every nurse should know.

Stomas are encountered by most nurses. The three types of ostomates (people with a stoma) to be discussed in this article are those with a colostomy, ileostomy and/or urostomy. One of the more common problems associated with ostomates is sore peristomal skin (skin around the stoma). This article will focus on several issues related to sore peristomal skin, including contact irritant dermatitis, parastomal hernias and skin infections. The probable causes and treatment options for the skin problems will be explored. Treatment includes a range of therapies from re-educating ostomates on their stoma care technique to the use of stoma accessories, such as a skin protector, paste or seals.