Ceramide: the Secret Ingredient for Peristomal Health

What is ceramide?

Ceramide is a natural component of human skin. As a cellular element (lipid), it makes up about 50% of the skin’s outer layer. Among its functions is creating a barrier that locks in moisture, promoting elasticity and general skin health. Consequently, it has become a popular component in beauty products that aim to fend off signs of aging.

But Ceramide has more than a cosmetic effect.

Ceramide in ostomy systems

In ostomy care, the focus is always on skin maintenance. It is the main factor that determines quality of life – both physically and mentally – in ostomy patients. Serious damage to the skin around the stoma can be caused by factors like output leakage and improper system changes. When this happens, the patient can enter into a cycle of peristomal skin complications (PSC) that may seem impossible to escape.

While it is possible to recover and heal damaged peristomal skin, avoiding complications altogether is optimal. Ceramide, when incorporated into ostomy barriers and accessories, has been shown to help maintain robust skin and fend off damage.

CeraPlus™ barriers and pouches

Hollister is an innovator when it comes to infusing ceramide into ostomy system adhesive. The CeraPlus™ skin barrier with Remois technology* is setting a new standard for peristomal skin health.

Fit is still the preeminent issue when fighting leakage, which is the main cause of PSC. The CeraPlus™ line offers a variety of shapes and sizes and features for patients to find the right fit, from convexity to precut center holes to tape borders. Adding ceramide-infused adhesive to these already-effective designs results in Hollister’s most skin-friendly system yet.

Because ceramide helps to decrease transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from damaged or eroded skin, the adhesive is effective in helping to protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This can contribute not only to maintaining healthy peristomal skin, but also to improving damaged skin.

Adapt CeraRing™ barrier rings

The Adapt CeraRing™ barrier ring with Remois technology* is another case of ceramide improving an already great concept.

The original Adapt barrier rings were designed to provide a custom fit by filling in gaps between the stoma and the inner edge of the ostomy barrier. The pliable material is ideal for molding into the perfect shape for the patient’s stoma, no two of which are alike.

Given that these rings are applied around the edge of the stoma (aka ground zero for PSC issues), it was a natural progression to add ceramide to the formulation to work its magic. So now, in addition to stopping leaks, your barrier rings can help maintain your skin health.

Also, like the original Adapt rings, the CeraRing™ is available in convex and oval convex form in addition to the original flat, round design. This allows for an even more customized fit for folks with flat or inverted stomas.

CeraPlus™ Barrier Extenders

Many ostomates experience peeling at the edges of their barriers. This often due to perspiration from work, exercise or just general body movement. If left unchecked this peeling will sometimes progress toward the center of the barrier, seriously increasing the risk of blowout. 

Hollister’s hydrocolloid barrier extender strips are designed to expand the overall real estate of the barrier. This means protecting against peeling by picture-framing the outer edges and holding them in place. The conformable material moves with the natural peaks and valleys of the skin, creating more confidence in the ostomy systems adhesion while helping to protect against leaks.  

For the majority of Hollister ostomy users already familiar with the original Adapt Barrier Extenders, this new version will harbor no surprises. The CeraPlus barrier extenders provide the exact same user experience/protection, with the added benefits of ceramide. Even the product number is the same! 

If you’re concerned…

… about the health of your peristomal skin, be sure to try all of Hollister’s ceramide-infused ostomy products to see what a difference can be made by a little extra moisture in your skin.

*Remois is a technology of Alcare Co., Ltd.

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