Peristomal Skin and Tape: Stick to the Facts

Purpose:  To examine the use of tape in ostomy care.

Statement of Problem:  Tape is used extensively in medical care for a various reasons.  Tape use in ostomy care (usually to border a skin barrier) is well documented and yet some have questioned the need for and skin reactions to tape.

Summary:  This poster will examine the use of tape in ostomy care including tape properties, reasons for use, skin reactions, and circumstances when tape or tapeless barriers would be preferred.  Clinical photos and data will support the findings.

Tape is used for security, to decrease the rolling of barrier edges, and to improve wear time.  Although practices may vary in different countries, data collected in North America supports preference for tape in ostomy care.  In addition, 167 people with different ostomy types responded to a survey regarding their use of tape.  Approximately 59% used tape bordered products and of those who did not have tape as an integral part of their pouching system, 35% of them added tape.  A majority of these people added additional tape to their tape bordered barrier. 

 Although adverse skin reponses are sometimes noted under tape, this can often be misdiagnosed.  Data shows there is a very low level of allergy to ostomy products.  True allergies represent 0.6% of all skin problems.  What may be documented as skin sensitivity may actually be due to tension, skin stripping, misapplication, products used under tape, or frequent removal.  This is an important clinical assessment when making a differential diagnosis.

Conclusion:  Clinicians and patients have documented their experience with tape in ostomy care.   Survey results showed most people who wear ostomy pouches prefer tape although options are important when tape is not appropriate.  Few skin sensitivities secondary to tape are documented and are often attributable to other clinical causes.