Stoma site

[GaryM]

Since having my PEG fitted the area around the stoma has always been skin coloured and clean, but yesterday there was some discharge around the tube. A very small amount of what looked like grey pus. This morning it looked like dried blood. There is no pain or soreness. I don't think there is any swelling, but it's difficult to tell. Is this something that happens occasionally? Could it be caused by having the fixation device a bit too close to the skin?

[Ellie]

Yes and yes, Gary - keep an close eye on it over the next few days (as I know you will!) If the site gets sore, smells or stings, you may need to take more action. The "blood" usually isn't blood, but dried ooze (nothing too abnormal) and, if the tube got a tug, it may bleed a wee bit.

In particular, look out for signs of hypergranulation - raw, red tissue - as this is much easier to treat if caught early, one of its causes is if the bumper is too near the skin.

Love Ellie.

[matthew55]

I am regularly scratching dried discharge from my site. Aloe and soap and water is the answer. 😁x

[denise]

Stephen has the same so looks like it's normal.

[jd58]

Keep it clean and use barrier cream from District nurse. I use a puceof lint cut so tube fits it. Lint a sirvs any discharge and stops it affecting the skin

[Ellie]

I have to disagree with routinely covering a stoma site. Sites should ideally be uncovered, open to the air and let breathe - covers increase humidity, an ideal growth environment for nasties...

[GaryM]

Thanks for all the replies folks. Very reassuring. I'll keep an eye on it for the next few days. That's the beauty of talking to people who have experience but aren't health professionals. Health professionals always have to err on the side of caution because of duty of care so they say "get yourself to the GPs" when there might be nothing to worry about, or at least not urgent.