Ostomy barrier strips are flexible, adhesive accessories designed to reinforce the seal of an ostomy wafer or skin barrier, creating a more secure and extended wear time. These strips act as a secondary layer of protection, framing the primary adhesive system to prevent leaks and skin irritation.
The main goal is to ensure the ostomy pouching system remains firmly in place despite body movements or moisture. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for the proper application and safe removal of barrier strips.
Understanding the Role of Barrier Strips
Barrier strips serve as an extra line of defense against the premature failure of the ostomy appliance seal. They are generally composed of a skin-friendly hydrocolloid material that can absorb small amounts of moisture. This composition allows the strip to conform to the body’s natural contours and movement without compromising the seal.
The design of these strips varies, often coming in pre-cut shapes like curved, straight, or Y-shaped pieces to accommodate different body types and wafer shapes. Their elasticity is a significant benefit, allowing the user to bend and stretch without causing the edge of the primary wafer to lift. By preventing the edges from lifting, the strips help extend the wear time of the pouching system and protect the peristomal skin from corrosive output.
Essential Skin Preparation Before Application
Thorough preparation of the peristomal skin ensures the barrier strip adheres effectively and securely. The skin surrounding the stoma must be gently cleansed to remove any residual adhesive, oils, or stool output that could interfere with the strips’ performance. Specialized adhesive remover wipes or gentle cleansers are often recommended, as standard soaps can leave residues that weaken the hydrocolloid bond.
Once cleaned, the skin must be completely dry before any adhesive product is applied, as moisture severely compromises the strip’s tackiness. A protective barrier wipe or spray can be applied and allowed to dry fully, creating a thin film between the skin and the adhesive. This layer protects the skin from irritation and prepares the surface for optimal adhesion of the wafer and the strip.
Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Application
The application process begins by warming the barrier strips slightly between your hands, which aids in activating the adhesive for a stronger bond. Most strips come with a multi-part protective backing, designed to allow for precise placement without the entire adhesive surface sticking prematurely. Peel off only the first section of the backing, typically the larger portion, to start the application.
The strips are applied directly over the edge of the ostomy wafer, overlapping onto the skin by at least half an inch to create a reinforced perimeter. This technique is often called “picture framing,” where multiple strips form a secure border around the wafer. The strip should be smoothed down firmly, ensuring there are no wrinkles or air bubbles trapped beneath the surface.
If the strip is elastic, it can be gently stretched or molded slightly to follow the body’s contours or fill in minor skin creases. After the initial placement, remove the remaining protective backing and smooth the entire strip down again. Applying gentle, sustained pressure for approximately 30 seconds helps the hydrocolloid adhere fully to both the wafer and the skin.
This pressure, combined with the body’s warmth, ensures a secure, long-lasting seal capable of moving with the body throughout the day. The goal is to eliminate any potential gaps where moisture or output could seep under the wafer’s edge.
Addressing Common Issues and Safe Removal
One common challenge is edge lifting, where the corners or sides of the strip begin to peel away from the skin, creating a pathway for leakage. If a small section begins to lift, gently pressing it back down and holding it with warmth from the palm can sometimes re-establish the seal. Bubbling or creasing often indicates the strip was not smoothed down adequately during application or that the body’s contours were not fully accommodated.
When changing the pouching system, safe removal of the barrier strips is essential to prevent skin stripping or trauma. The most effective method involves using an adhesive remover wipe or spray, which works to dissolve the adhesive bond gently. While supporting the skin with one hand, the strip should be peeled back slowly and horizontally, moving away from the stoma.
The adhesive remover should be directed between the skin and the strip as it is peeled back, not just applied over the surface. This technique minimizes the tension placed on the delicate top layer of the skin, which helps maintain skin integrity. Any minor residue left on the skin after removal can be gently wiped away with the adhesive remover before the next preparation steps begin.