Hydrocolloid

Ostomy Paste is a non-sterile, hydrocolloid-based filler used in peristomal skin care to fill skin folds, scars, and creases, creating a flat surface for the ostomy flange to adhere to . Unlike adhesives, its primary purpose is to act as a "spackle," preventing caustic stoma effluent from leaking under the barrier, which can cause painful peristomal skin breakdown, maceration, and infection .

For the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (WOCN), ostomy paste is a critical tool in the ostomy fitting algorithm. When a patient presents with an irregular abdomen due to hernia, surgical scars, or weight loss, paste is the intervention of choice to fill the "valleys" so a standard flat or convex wafer can sit flush against the skin .

For the patient, ostomy paste is the difference between a secure, long-lasting seal and a skin-devastating leak. It is available in standard alcohol-based formulas or alcohol-free (low sting) options for those with sensitive or already denuded skin . Applied directly to the skin or the back of the barrier, it helps extend appliance wear time, reduce the frequency of painful changes, and gives the patient the confidence to live actively without fear of odor or leakage.