[Assessment of the prevalence and perception of skin problems in patients with permanent stoma]

The incidence of peristomal skin in ostomy patients ranges from 25 to 35%. In a recent paper it was reported that patients may not be aware of the skin problem.

To describe the prevalence and characteristics of skin disorders in ostomy patients and to assess their perception of the skin problem.

Consecutive patients attending the stoma care clinic of Varese Hospital and with a permanent stoma (>1 year) were asked if they had any skin problem subsequently visited by the stoma care nurse. The skin problems were classified with two different scales (Mosè le tavole and SACS).

Of 48 patients, 35 (73%) declared no skin problems but overall 27 patients had a skin disorder (11/13 of those aware of having a problem and 16/35 of those not aware). Patients that self cared for their stoma did not report any problem although 27/31 had some skin disorder. No patient reported to have a skin erosion although 13 were detected by the stoma care nurse.

Although "expert" patients may not be aware of their skin problems. Attention should be paid not only to patients with recent stomas but also to those with permanent stoma, that may need further educational support.