Peristomal dermatoses: a novel indication for topical steroid lotions

Dermatoses that interfere with the normal use of a stoma appliance are common. When preventable causes, such as infection or allergy, are not identified, barrier preparations or topical steroids have been used. However, topical medicaments formulated in a cream or ointment base will cause stoma bags to detach, resulting in leaks.

Our purpose was to investigate the efficacy and suitability of corticosteroids in aqueous/alcohol lotions in the management of peristomal dermatoses.

A clinic run by a dermatologist and 2 stoma nurses was created. Patients with a variety of noninfective, inflammatory dermatoses were treated with topical corticosteroid lotions up to a maximum of 4 weeks, with occasional use thereafter in some cases.

Topical, aqueous/alcohol, corticosteroid lotions have been used in 60 patients and have proved particularly useful for the treatment of irritant dermatitis, pyoderma gangrenosum, psoriasis, and constitutional eczema. After the initial treatment course, occasional applications, approximately every 2 weeks, may be necessary to control the skin disorder. This low frequency of application minimizes the risk of side effects so that we have not identified local or systemic side effects in any of the patients treated so far.

Topical corticosteroids formulated in aqueous alcohol lotion are effective and acceptable treatments for peristomal dermatoses. If used appropriately, the risk of side effects is low.