irritation around the stoma from heat

p's mom · #1 05-08-2002, 08:02 PM

With the heat and humidity lately, the area around p's trach get's irritated. Moisture builds up and causes redness. What do you all use to heal and stop this??

We have started using a vitamin E product (kinda looks like vaseline, but not) and it's actually brought the pigment back into his skin. It does help when we get a break and it's not so hot or humid all the time but....I'm trying to prepare for the summer. We also use a 2x2 gauze under it periodically to try to help absorb any moisture.
thanks
P's MOM

trach mom · #2 05-08-2002, 08:38 PM

I always use a 2 x 2 IV drain sponge with the holes already cut in them or she would pull the gauze out constantly. She has a fascination with her trach and anything on it right now.I hope she will not become a trach-puller!

I have a lot of trouble getting these, off all things, from the supply company. If I keep one on 24 hrs a day, she has no redness. It is also very hot and humid where I am in AL.

Michael's mom · #3 05-09-2002, 09:43 AM

We don't use 2X2s any more. We found they kept the moisture at the site and we ended up having to redness. Now we just clean with sterile water and q-tips. About the moisture, do you have the humidity set too high? How about the temperature? Trached kids like cool air, too, so dress them in light clothing and light blankets only. They tend to sweat alot!! Sue

christyw · #4 05-21-2002, 02:19 AM

Gaithy has trach and vent. We use Dale velcro ties and a split 4x4 drain sponge (manufactured with the split by Johnson & Johnson). We do "trach care" once daily, after bath time. We clean her neck and stoma with dial soap and water, rinse, dry and apply "Nyastop" nyastatin powder which dries the area up completely and fights any yeast cells. That was the only topical item used in the hospital, but once we got home and gaithy become more and more active her short little neck got very red and irriatated and began to break down. We started using Desitin cream on her neck and near the stoma, but not so close that it would creep into the stoma (same as with the nyastatin powder). This seems to protect the skin from moisture and has stopped the irritation. It keeps Gaithy's neck from getting that "inflamed" look and has been very good for us.