When you have a stoma, looking after the skin around it is an important part of your routine. Peristomal skin can be exposed to moisture, stoma output and repeated adhesive removal, all of which can affect the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Barrier film can help to provide an additional layer of protection between your skin and potential irritants. But when it comes to choosing a barrier film, should you use a spray or a wipe?
The answer depends on your skin, your routine and what feels easiest for you to use.
What is barrier film?
Barrier film is designed to create a protective layer over the skin. Think of it as a little like a “second skin” helping to shield the surface from moisture and other potential irritants.
Moisture sitting against your skin for prolonged periods can contribute to moisture-associated skin damage (MASD). For ostomates, this can include exposure to urine or faeces, particularly if there are leaks or if your skin is not completely protected by the pouch system.
Stoma output can also contain substances such as ammonia and digestive enzymes that may irritate the skin. When your skin’s protective barrier becomes compromised, it can become more vulnerable to further irritation and breakdown.
Signs of skin irritation can include redness, soreness, burning, itching or blistering. Looking after your peristomal skin and protecting it from potential irritants can therefore be an important part of maintaining healthy skin.
Barrier film can also help protect against the effects of repeated adhesive removal. Regularly removing and replacing your stoma pouch can put stress on the skin, potentially contributing to medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI).
Spray or wipe: what’s the difference?
Both barrier film sprays and wipes are designed to provide a protective film on top of clean, dry skin. The main difference is how the product is applied.
Barrier film spray
A spray applies a fine layer of barrier film directly onto the skin. This can make it particularly useful when you need to cover a larger area around your stoma.
StoCare Protect Barrier Film Spray comes in a 50ml cannister with an easy-to-use nozzle. It uses bag-on-valve technology, allowing it to spray at any angle and helping the canister to be completely emptied – ensuring you can use every drop.
The spray format can be particularly convenient if:
- You need to cover a larger area of skin.
- You want a quick and straightforward application.
- You find spraying easier than handling a wipe.
- You want to apply an even layer of barrier film around the stoma.
- You are protecting an area before applying a pouch.
StoCare’s barrier film spray is also designed with an optimum spray discharge rate, based on bench testing carried out in January 2026.
Barrier film wipes
Barrier film wipes provide a more hands-on way of applying the product. StoCare Protect Barrier Film Wipes are large, moist, finely woven wipes that can be used to apply the film precisely where it is needed.
Because each wipe is individually wrapped, they are also convenient to keep in a bag, travel kit or emergency stash – particularly useful if you are away from home.
Wipes may also be particularly useful if:
- You need to apply barrier film to a small or specific area.
- You want greater control over exactly where the product is applied.
- You are protecting delicate areas of skin.
- You are caring for someone with a stoma.
- You find handling a wipe easier than using a spray.
- You need something convenient to take with you when you’re out and about.
For people with dexterity difficulties, a wipe may also be a more suitable option than a spray, depending on individual circumstances and preferences.
Which should you choose?
There isn’t one option that is right for everyone. Both barrier film sprays and wipes are designed to protect the skin, so your choice may come down to what works best for you.
Choose a spray if you…
Need to cover a larger area around your stoma and prefer a quick spray application. The ability to spray at any angle can also make application easier when positioning around the stoma.
Choose a wipe if you…
Prefer more precise application, have delicate areas of skin to protect or want an individually wrapped product that is easy to carry with you.
Not sure?
Your stoma care nurse can help you decide which is most appropriate for your skin and individual circumstances.
What do StoCare Protect barrier films contain?
Both StoCare Protect Barrier Film Spray and StoCare Protect Barrier Film Wipes use a silicone-based, alcohol-free and fragrance-free formula. They also contain an emollient to help soothe the skin while creating the protective barrier.
Both products are designed to be easy to use and quick drying. Once applied, the barrier film can help protect the skin while also enhancing the adhesion of your next pouch.
For best results, use barrier film on clean, dry skin before applying your pouch or dressing.
How do you apply barrier film?
Whichever you choose, the basic principle is the same.
1. Clean the skin
Gently remove your old pouch and any residue using a Medical Adhesive Remover Spray, like StoCare Remove, then clean the skin around your stoma according to your usual routine.
2. Make sure the skin is dry
Barrier film should be applied to clean, dry skin. Allow the area to dry fully before applying the product.
3. Apply the barrier film
Apply a thin, even layer of barrier film to the area that will come into contact with your pouch.
If you’re using a spray, hold it according to the product instructions and apply an even layer. If you’re using a wipe, gently wipe the product over the required area.
4. Allow it to dry
Barrier film is designed to dry quickly. Make sure the skin is dry before applying your pouch.
5. Apply your pouch
Once dry, apply your appliance as usual.
Remember that barrier film is intended to protect the skin – it isn’t a replacement for addressing the cause of ongoing leakage or damaged skin. If you regularly experience leaks or have persistent soreness, redness, broken skin or other changes around your stoma, speak to your stoma care nurse.
The right barrier film is the one that works for you
Barrier film spray and barrier film wipes have the same overall purpose: helping to protect your skin from moisture and the effects of repeated adhesive removal.
The difference is in how they fit into your routine.
A spray may be particularly useful when covering a larger area, whilst a wipe can offer more precise application and convenient, individually wrapped protection when you’re out and about.
Ultimately, healthy peristomal skin starts with finding a routine that works for you. If you’re unsure which type of barrier film is suitable for your skin, speak to your stoma care nurse for personalised advice.
Protect the skin that protects you.
Remember: This information is for guidance and does not replace advice given by your healthcare professional.
