Wearing Time of Ostomy Pouch

Challenge
E. is a 27-year-old woman with an ileostomy due to Crohn's Disease. She is an active full-time student and avid sports enthusiast. Because of her outdoor sports activities, including swimming, hiking in warm weather, and fishing in streams, the average wearing time of her pouch was 1.5 days. Her skin became irritated from wet, non-waterproof tape and frequent pouch changes.

Moisture, heat, and physical activity put extra stress on any pouching system. Additional moisture from humidity and perspiration can macerate healthy skin. Most other tapes used to reinforce ostomy pouches are not waterproof and are difficult to remove when wet. Skin may be torn when the adhesive is pulled from the skin.

In temperatures ranging from 85-97 degrees Fahrenheit, E. engaged in outdoor sports and conducted a trial of Hy-Tape®. Her goal was to extend the pouch wearing time with an adhesive that would be more gentle on her skin.

Solution
Hy-Tape®, The Original Pink Tape®, was applied in a picture frame fashion over the adhesive and skin barrier backing of the pouching system. This additional securing tape increased pouch wearing time from 1.5 days to 3-4 days. When the tape was removed, the skin was intact, healthy, and not irritated or itchy. E. was able to shower and swim frequently while the Hy-Tape® remained securely attached. One of the main advantages of Hy-Tape® is its ability to adhere to wet, oily, or hairy skin and conform to body contours. The zinc oxide adhesive soothes the skin and the tape is easily removed. E. feels more secure when engaging in physical activity under moist, humid conditions. In her case, the pouch remained in place and the skin under the Hy-Tape® remained healthy and intact.