How often should an ileostomy appliance be changed to prevent skin irritation around the stoma?

Changing an ileostomy appliance every 3 to 7 days is the recommended practice to help prevent skin irritation around the stoma. This timeframe allows for adequate maintenance of the skin integrity and helps to avoid complications that may arise from wearing an appliance for too long.

Over time, the adhesive on the appliance can weaken or break down due to moisture, output from the stoma, or friction from clothing, leading to potential leaks and skin irritation. Additionally, the stoma itself may change in size and shape over time, which is another reason why regular changes are necessary to ensure a proper fit and secure seal.

Changing the appliance too frequently, such as every day, can also cause skin irritation due to frequent removal and replacement, leading to trauma to the peristomal skin. Similarly, changing it too infrequently, such as weekly or monthly, increases the risk of leaks and skin damage. Therefore, the recommended interval of 3 to 7 days strikes a balance between minimizing skin irritation while ensuring the appliance functions effectively.