Barrier cream under flanges?

suzanne2545 · #1 06-13-2007, 08:28 AM

This morning when I changed Parker's ties I noticed that he has some irritation (and a tiny abrasion) under the upper edges of both of his trach flanges. This is the first he's had this and I can't think of any new reason for it (i.e. drooling or something).

Wondering if it is ok to put a barrier cream there- something like pro shield? Or is that just too close to the stoma? Are there other things we could do? We don't put guaze pads there but we could start, though I'm not sure that would do any good.

Thanks.

Suzanne

twintotwin · #2 06-13-2007, 09:34 AM

S- It happens sometimes. Depending on how close it is to the stoma...I would use Balmex with gauze over it. If it's really close you can try Hydrosorb, or even better ....I am drawing a blank on the name and can't find our box...the really thin, transparent tape that should stay on for a few days.
Anyone know the name? Derma...?

It can just be that the ties were a bit tighter than normal, or Parker was extra active...maybe with the drooling or sweat made the skin break down.

Or Hydrosorb...which is sort of cumbersome but does the job.

cariaad · #3 06-13-2007, 09:36 AM

We have on occasion used a cream under the flanges for redness. Just dont put it on the actual stoma and it should be fine. I personally dont like using guaze because it can stick to the skin and make it worse. Deb

Mom2TwinsPlus1 · #4 06-13-2007, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twintotwin

S- It happens sometimes. Depending on how close it is to the stoma...I would use Balmex with gauze over it. If it's really close you can try Hydrosorb, or even better ....I am drawing a blank on the name and can't find our box...the really thin, transparent tape that should stay on for a few days.
Anyone know the name? Derma...?

It can just be that the ties were a bit tighter than normal, or Parker was extra active...maybe with the drooling or sweat made the skin break down.

Or Hydrosorb...which is sort of cumbersome but does the job.

TegaDerm? Like what they put over an iv is that what you are thinking of? I will never foget the name of that stuff, I am allergic to it and most other tapes and band aids!

twintotwin · #5 06-13-2007, 10:01 AM

It just hit me! Tagaderm!! [url="https://www.medco-school.com/Supply/Product.asp?Leaf_Id=98903"]Tagaderm
If you can get this, I like it the best b/c it's so thin.

LKN · #6 06-13-2007, 10:05 AM

we are all about the aquaphor in our house, and it's okay to use right close to the stoma because it's water based.

faywrayy · #7 06-13-2007, 10:34 AM

I'm all about Aquaphor too. I've used it for the exact thing, just not too close to the stoma. Kate's been drooling up a storm since the surgery. We used Hydrasorb as well everyday, but she is still soaking them.

Tegaderm is the clear adhesive they put over IVs, but it is very expensive. Our DME is so cheap with it!

Christamae · #8 06-13-2007, 07:45 PM

twintotwin: I think you're thinking of duoderm. It's used for pressure sores.

I am all about aquaphor and gauze. The aquaphor helps the irritation and redness that I always have. I absolutely have to have gauze or my trach pinches.

I wouldn't use tegaderm. It hurts coming off and always irritated my skin (I had a port for 4 years)

suzanne2545 · #9 06-13-2007, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christamae

(I had a port for 4 years)

Dumb question: What is a port?

I've been slathering Parker with proshield (it is water soluable too) and so far he doesn't seem to be bothered by it. Thanks for all the tips. I need to check out all the "derm" tape next time I am at the home healthcare store.

Suzanne

Christamae · #10 06-14-2007, 12:40 AM

A port-a-cath is a permanent IV placed under the skin in a major vein. I had it inserted October 2002 in preparation for my back surgery. I have horrible veins and they needed a good long term access. During the stay it was used a lot-tons of blood draws, pain meds, to get blood/plasma transplants, IV nutrition (TPN & lipids), and 5 months of IV treatment for the VRE infection in my bone. After the 189 day stay, it was used for every other week blood draws to make sure the infection didn't return. Then I used it for about a year for lipids to boost/stabilize my weight.

It was removed July 2006

Here's a link with all the details
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port-a-Cath