Measuring epidermal effects of ostomy skin barriers

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Devices
• Wound Care

Background:

• Ostomy barriers are crucial adhesive devices for securing pouching systems and protecting peristomal skin from stoma effluent.
• Understanding the impact of ostomy barriers on skin integrity is vital for patient care and device selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the extent of skin trauma caused by serial application and removal of two distinct ostomy barriers.
• To evaluate differences in skin barrier function and integrity between ostomy barriers with and without ceramide.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, prospective, repeated-measure trial was conducted on healthy volunteers over 17 days.
• Ostomy skin barriers were applied and changed every 3-4 days, with blinded assessments of skin erythema, stripping, and irritation.
• Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured to quantify skin barrier disruption.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences were observed between the two ostomy barrier types across most assessments, excluding visual erythema.
• Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements at termination sites showed highly significant differences between the tested products.
• The ostomy barrier containing ceramide demonstrated superior performance in preserving skin integrity compared to the barrier without ceramide.

Conclusions:

• Ostomy barriers incorporating ceramide are significantly less disruptive to the epidermis than those lacking this component.
• Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements are more sensitive indicators of changes in skin barrier function than visual assessment of erythema.
• These findings support the use of ceramide-containing ostomy barriers for improved peristomal skin health.