Peristomal Skin Disorders and Quality of Life of people with stoma

Peristomal skin problems are very frequent in people with a stoma. Approximately one third of people with a colostomy and more than two thirds of people with a ileostomy or urostomy have peristomal skin disorders, which affect the people with a stoma’s quality of life.
            The aim of this study was to determine relationships among demographic variables, clinical factors, QOL, and peristomal skin disorders in ostomates.
            Peristomal skin was assessed with the help of DET score (Ostomy Skin Tool).
To diagnose peristomal skin disorders we used a special algorithm. According to severity of lesions we divide peristomal contact dermatitis into 3 groups: I – erithema, maceration, II – vesicules, erosion, III – ulcers. Classification of complications according to the algorithms enables to ensure correct treatment.
            Health-related QOL data were collected using the Stoma-QoL questionnaire.
Having studied scientific literature and analyzed our own clinical data we concluded that main causes of these complications are:
-                      exacerbation of skin conditions which the patient already has (high sensitivity to mechanical trauma or chemical exposure skin diseases),
-                      combination with stoma complications,
-                      improper care of the stoma,
-                      peculiarities of bowel function.
Results of the analyses suggest that severe skin complications negatively affect all health-related aspects of QOL of people with a stoma.

Correct and timely treatment ensures high quality of life for people with a stoma