Indications for consulting a stoma care specialist or a doctor

When should you contact your ostomy specialist or doctor?

If you experience…

• Redness, burning, itching, or other skin changes around the stoma. These may indicate contact dermatitis, improper use of ostomy products, fungal infections, or folliculitis.
• The intestine retracting below skin level. This is known as stoma retraction.
• Prolonged bleeding from the intestinal mucosa or blood in the stool. These are also cause for concern.
• A change in the color of the intestinal mucosa from pink to livid (bluish). This should be noted.
• A trunk-like protrusion of the intestine. This is referred to as stoma prolapse; immediate action is required if the mucosa appears bluish.
• Bulges of varying severity in the abdominal wall around the stoma. This indicates a stoma hernia, which can be treated with a support garment or surgically, depending on its size and the associated symptoms.
• Unexplained changes in stool volume, consistency, or color. These should also be monitored.
• Caution is advised if the abdomen is bloated or hard, or if the patient refuses food or is vomiting.

If you have any questions, be sure to contact a stoma care specialist!