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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2019 Mar;25(2):179-186.
doi: 10.1111/srt.12630. Epub 2018 Nov 2.

Measuring epidermal effects of ostomy skin barriers

Gary Grove  1 , Tim Houser  1 , Gary Sibbald  2 , Ginger Salvadalena  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Measuring epidermal effects of ostomy skin barriers

Gary Grove et al. Skin Res Technol. 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Background: Ostomy barriers are adhesive devices designed to hold pouching systems to the abdomen and protect the peristomal skin from stoma effluent. The objective of this study was to determine differences in the extent of skin trauma resulting from serially applying and removing two types of ostomy barriers.

Methods: The study was a randomized, prospective, repeated measure trial involving healthy volunteers. The ostomy skin barriers were applied to the abdomen and changed every 3-4 days over a 17-day period. Skin observations (erythema, stripping, edge irritation and overall comparisons) were completed by a trained (blinded) observer. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements were completed by a separate (blinded) technician. TEWL was measured in a designated site and again in the most visually traumatized location at termination.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the two test devices in all assessments but visual observation of erythema. Highly significant differences in TEWL were found between the test products when measured at termination from the most visually traumatized sites.

Conclusions: The ostomy barrier with ceramide was significantly less disruptive to the epidermis than the ostomy barrier without ceramide. TEWL measurements were more sensitive to changes in the barrier function of the skin than visual observation of erythema.

Keywords: TEWL; adhesive devices; erythema; evaporimetry; expert grading; irritation; ostomy barriers; peristomal; skin stripping; skin trauma.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Irregular pattern of irritation
Figure 2
Figure 2
Edge effect
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diagram of measurement sites on the abdomen
Figure 4
Figure 4
Erythema scores
Figure 5
Figure 5
Skin stripping scores
Figure 6
Figure 6
Edge irritation scores
Figure 7
Figure 7
Overall comparison scores
Figure 8
Figure 8
Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) rates at designated site for product A & B
Figure 9
Figure 9
Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) rates at baseline and termination using designated site and worst site
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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