Why Protective Rings for Irregular Peristomal Skin

Ostomy barriers require flat, even surfaces for secure adhesion, yet peristomal skin is rarely ideal—surgical scars, skin folds, retracted stomas, or natural body contours create gaps and depressions where barriers cannot maintain contact. Output seeping into these gaps causes undermining, premature barrier failure, and painful skin breakdown. Protective rings solve this fundamental challenge by filling depressions and building up uneven areas to create a level surface for barrier application. The moldable polymer formulation shapes easily by hand to conform to individual anatomy, creating a custom seal around each stoma. Unlike paste that can be messy and difficult to control, rings provide consistent thickness and coverage. The low-residue formula means gentle removal without excessive skin trauma—critical for repeated daily use on already-compromised peristomal tissue. For users experiencing frequent leaks due to irregular skin or struggling to achieve adequate barrier wear time, protective rings provide the foundation for secure, reliable ostomy management.

Key Features

• 18 mm inner diameter: fits around small to medium stomas
• 48 mm outer diameter: provides 15 mm of protective coverage around stoma
• 2.5 mm thickness: fills shallow gaps and irregularities
• Moldable polymer formulation: shapes easily by hand for custom fit
• Low-residue removal: minimal skin trauma during barrier changes
• Skin-compatible adhesive: gentle on peristomal tissue
• Stackable design: can layer multiple rings for deeper gaps (with guidance)
• Pre-sized ring format: consistent dimensions for reliable application
• Room temperature storage: no special handling required
• Box of 10: convenient supply for regular users

Benefits

• Creates level surface for improved barrier adhesion and seal
• Prevents leakage by filling gaps where output could undermine barrier
• Protects peristomal skin from corrosive output contact
• Extends barrier wear time by preventing premature failure
• Simplifies application on challenging anatomies (scars, folds, retracted stomas)
• Reduces skin trauma with low-residue gentle removal
• Provides consistent, predictable protection vs. variable paste application
• Enhances user confidence with reliable leak prevention

Clinical Applications

✓ Irregular peristomal skin: scars, folds, or uneven contours around stoma
✓ Retracted or flush stomas: building up area to improve barrier contact
✓ Skin depressions: filling dips or concave areas near stoma
✓ Post-surgical changes: accommodating evolving peristomal anatomy
✓ Frequent leak issues: additional seal for users experiencing undermining
✓ Extended wear goals: supporting multi-day barrier adhesion
✓ Small to medium stomas: 18 mm inner opening accommodates appropriate sizes
✓ One-piece or two-piece systems: compatible with all barrier types

Usage & Application

For individuals with colostomies, ileostomies, or urostomies who need additional sealing around irregular peristomal skin or small to medium stomas (up to ~18 mm).

Sizing verification:

• Inner diameter (18 mm): Should fit around your stoma with approximately 2-3 mm clearance—ring should not touch stoma itself
• Outer diameter (48 mm): Provides 15 mm of protective coverage beyond the inner opening
• If your stoma is significantly larger than 18 mm, you'll need a larger ring size

Application method:

Method 1: Ring on skin (most common)

1. Cleanse and dry skin thoroughly:
   • Remove old barrier and any previous ring/paste residue
   • Cleanse peristomal skin with warm water
   • Pat skin completely dry—rings require dry skin for proper adhesion
2. Prepare the protective ring:
   • Remove one ring from packaging
   • Peel away any release paper from both sides
   • Warm the ring between clean, dry hands for 15-30 seconds to make it pliable
3. Shape if needed:
   • The ring is moldable—gently stretch or press to adjust shape
   • For oval stomas: stretch ring slightly to create oval opening
   • For irregular gaps: press and mold ring to fill specific areas
   • Can tear or fold ring to create partial coverage if full ring not needed
4. Apply to skin:
   • Center the ring around your stoma
   • Ensure 2-3 mm clearance between ring's inner edge and stoma
   • Press ring gently but firmly onto peristomal skin
   • Use fingers to smooth the ring, pressing it into any depressions or folds
   • Ensure good contact between ring and all skin surfaces
   • The ring should create a level, even surface for the barrier
5. Apply barrier:
   • Position your ostomy barrier (one-piece or two-piece baseplate) over the ring
   • Center barrier opening over stoma and ring
   • Press firmly, starting from the stoma and working outward
   • Hold pressure for 30-60 seconds to ensure good adhesion
   • The barrier bonds to both the ring and surrounding skin

Method 2: Ring on barrier back (alternative) Some users prefer applying the ring to the back of the barrier first:

1. Remove ring from packaging and any release papers
2. Warm and shape ring as described above
3. Center ring on the adhesive side of the barrier, around the barrier opening
4. Press ring firmly onto barrier adhesive
5. Apply the barrier (with attached ring) to clean, dry peristomal skin as one unit

For deep gaps or irregularities:

• Can stack two rings for 5 mm total thickness (consult ostomy nurse first)
• Apply first ring to skin, press well
• Apply second ring on top of first ring
• Proceed with barrier application
• Use minimum thickness needed—excessive buildup may affect barrier adhesion

Wear time:

• Protective rings typically remain effective for the entire barrier wear time (3-7 days)
• Change ring whenever changing barrier
• Do not attempt to reuse rings

Removal:

1. Remove barrier as usual
2. Ring typically comes away with the barrier
3. Low-residue formula means minimal adhesive residue left on skin
4. Any remaining ring material can be removed with:
   • Gentle rubbing with warm water
   • Adhesive remover wipes if needed
5. Cleanse skin thoroughly before applying fresh ring and barrier

Ring vs. paste vs. seals:

• Protective rings: Best for consistent, predictable thickness; less messy than paste; good for general gap-filling
• Strip paste: Better for small, specific irregularities or thin applications
• Moldable seals: Larger, more flexible for variable stoma sizes
• Can combine: Some users use both rings and paste for problem areas
• Consult ostomy nurse for guidance on which products best suit your anatomy

Troubleshooting:

• Ring won't stay in place: Ensure skin is completely dry before application; warm ring longer to improve tack
• Ring feels too thick: May need thinner ring (check if 2.5 mm is appropriate) or consider paste instead
• Leaks still occurring: Ring may not be filling all gaps; consult ostomy nurse to assess anatomy and product selection
• Skin irritation: Rare with low-residue formula, but if occurs, try paste or different ring brand

Storage: Keep rings in original packaging at room temperature. Avoid extreme heat which may soften the polymer excessively.

Technical Specifications

• Product type: Adhesive protective rings for ostomy care
• Inner diameter: 18 mm (approximately 0.7 inches)
• Outer diameter: 48 mm (approximately 1.9 inches)
• Coverage width: 15 mm protective coverage around stoma (from inner to outer edge)
• Thickness: 2.5 mm (approximately 0.1 inches)
• Note: Thicker variants (4.2 mm) available in different SKUs for deeper gaps
• Material: Moldable polymer adhesive formulation
• Residue: Low-residue removal for minimal skin trauma
• Moldability: Shapes easily by hand when warmed
• Skin contact: Skin-compatible, gentle adhesive
• Stackability: Can layer multiple rings if needed (with healthcare guidance)
• Application site: Peristomal skin around stoma (should not contact stoma itself)
• Stoma clearance: 2-3 mm recommended clearance from stoma edge
• Compatibility: Works with all ostomy barrier types (one-piece, two-piece, flat, convex)
• Wear time: Effective for duration of barrier wear (3-7 days typical)
• Removal: Comes away with barrier; low residue on skin
• Reusability: Single-use only—do not reuse
• Quantity: 10 rings per box
• Storage: Room temperature; keep sealed when not in use
• Shelf life: Check package for expiration date
• Brand: Coloplast
• Suitable stoma sizes: Small to medium (up to approximately 15-16 mm for proper clearance)