Why is my stoma bag not sticking?

One of the most common issues faced by ostomates is their stoma bag not sticking to their skin. This can lead to leakage, skin irritation, frequent pouch changes and, ultimately, stress. This can make your life with a stoma much more challenging. Your stoma appliance should fit securely around your stoma and stay in place, no matter your body shape, and not stop you from taking part in your usual activities.

So, in this guide, we will explore potential reasons why your stoma bag keeps coming off and how to secure your stoma bag to ensure it sticks to your skin.

Why is my stoma bag not sticking?

There are many reasons that your stoma bag may not stick to your skin and keeps coming off. The baseplate (also known as the flange or wafer) of your stoma bag has a sticky adhesive on it, which should attach securely to your peristomal skin (the skin surrounding your stoma). This should allow your stoma to fit snugly inside the bag and for all output to fall into the bag.

However, some ostomates find that their stoma baseplate won’t stick to their skin at all, or the edges lift soon after application. This could be because:

• You are not using the right stoma products
• You have an active lifestyle that causes the stoma bag to lift
• Sweat or water from swimming or washing has caused the bag to come loose
• Your stoma appliance is not suited to your body shape (i.e. dips, folds, hernia)
• Your peristomal skin was not prepared properly before applying the stoma bag
• Your peristomal skin is damaged
• The adhesive on the baseplate is not the right temperature (too hot or too cold)
• Your stoma bag is faulty
• You are experiencing stoma problems like ballooning or pancaking

This could lead to leakage which worsens the issue. So, it’s important to tackle the issue of your stoma bag not sticking to your skin sooner rather than later.

Steps to stop your stoma bag from coming off

If your stoma bag keeps coming off, let’s explore a step-by-step guide on how you can avoid these problems and make your stoma bag stick better to your skin.

1. Try stoma flange extenders

Probably the simplest way to solve the problem of your stoma bag not sticking would be to try stoma flange extenders, as they are designed to secure stoma appliances to the skin. These are applied to the edges of the baseplate, increasing the adhesive area so it feels more secure and is less likely to lift during movement. This can help you to get longer wear time out of your stoma appliance, reducing stress and enabling you to live your life to the full.

Make sure you opt for a skin-friendly, flexible option like StoCare Extend (made from hydrocolloid). StoCare Extend has unique notches which mean they bend to fit any body shape for comfort and security, whatever physical activity you get up to. Its tapered edges mean it blends seamlessly with your skin and won’t lift.

You can speak to your stoma nurse or DAC to add flange extenders (also known as stoma tape) to your prescription.

2. Prepare your skin

It’s vital that you prepare your peristomal skin properly before applying your new stoma bag. Here is our step-by-step guide to preparing your skin before changing your stoma bag:

• Remove hairs from around the stoma to prevent the adhesive on the bag from pulling on them and causing pain/inflammation.
• Clean the skin gently, avoid any irritants (perfumed soaps, lotions, wipes containing alcohol, moisturisers, etc.) and do not scrub.
• Ensure the skin is completely dry before replacing your pouch.
• You may want to use a barrier film wipe or spray to protect the skin from irritants and enhance the adhesion of the next appliance.
• Change your bag as soon as possible if it has leaked.

3. Pay attention to your skin

Following the steps above should ensure you avoid peristomal skin irritation, but always monitor it. Skin that is irritated or damaged will cause your stoma appliance not to stick properly. This can then cause rubbing and/or leakage, which in turn causes more skin irritation, resulting in a vicious cycle.

If you notice any irritation to your peristomal skin, it’s important to treat it before it worsens, such as by using a barrier film like StoCare Protect. Our full guide on peristomal skin protection has details on how to prevent and treat peristomal skin problems.

You must also remove your bag safely using a medical adhesive remover and strike a balance between changing your bag often enough to check your skin, but not too frequently that it becomes irritated. A non-absorbent seal designed not to break down over time, like the Ostoform FLOWASSIST, may help you to get longer wear time while protecting your skin from output.

4. Prepare your appliance

It’s also possible that you are not preparing your stoma appliance properly which is causing it to come off. Adhesives stick better when they are warm, so we recommend warming the baseplate up in your hands before applying it. On the other hand, extreme heat can cause stoma products to degrade. If you live in a warm climate or your stoma bags have been kept in a warm environment (for example, a hot car), this could also affect the adhesion. Storing them in a temperature-controlled environment, like a cool box, will help.

Also, ensure you cut the baseplate so that it fits snugly around your stoma. None of your peristomal skin should be exposed. Your stoma will change size and shape over time, especially if you have recently had surgery, so be sure to re-measure it. Your stoma nurse can help with this if you are unsure.

To make your stoma bag stick, hold your hands over the baseplate when applying the pouch and gently press on it for 30-60 seconds to help it bond to the skin. Leave it in place for about an hour before going swimming, to allow it to properly adhere to your skin.

5. Prevent stoma problems

Common stoma problems, such as ballooning or pancaking, can cause your stoma bag to malfunction and come off. We have comprehensive guides on how to deal with these problems (which can involve changing your diet):

• Stoma ballooning
• Stoma pancaking
• Parastomal hernia
• Stoma leakage

6. Try a different stoma bag

If you have followed all of the above steps and your stoma bag still won’t stick, the problem could lie with the type of stoma bag you are using. It may not be suited to your lifestyle, your skin may be reacting to it or you may even have a faulty batch. Certain brands or types of bags simply do not work for some ostomates with no apparent rhyme or reason. Luckily, there are many options available.

Your stoma nurse can help you ensure you are using the right stoma pouching system to suit your needs. For example, you may benefit from a 2-piece system or a convex bag. Our ultimate guide to stoma bags will help.

You can request free samples of products from most manufacturers to test which combination of products works best for your stoma and your lifestyle. You can then contact your stoma nurse, GP or DAC to let them know you would like to change your prescription.

Conclusion

You do not have to put up with your stoma bag not sticking and coming off. Follow these steps and speak to your stoma care specialist to solve the problem before it escalates.