Peristomal Hygiene

ABSTRACT: Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) remain one of the most common, yet avoidable, challenges faced by people living with an ostomy. Despite advances in ostomy care and products, wide variation persists in the prevention, terminology, assessment, and management of PSCs across the globe, which has contributed to delayed recognition, inconsistent treatment approaches, and suboptimal outcomes for patients. To address these issues and help guide best practice, an advisory board meeting was convened, where experts discussed gaps in ostomy management. A 4-step protocol, Peristomal Hygiene, was developed that aims to simplify peristomal skin health maintenance and emphasize the prevention and treatment of peristomal skin damage. Peristomal Hygiene is defined as a structured evidence-informed protocol that includes cleansing, assessing, securing, and supporting healthy living with an ostomy to promote peristomal skin integrity and prevent PSCs such as irritation, infection, and breakdown of the peristomal skin.