Which of the following is listed as a peristomal skin complication?

• A. Allergic contact dermatitis
• B. Candidiasis
• C. Irritant contact dermatitis
• D. Psoriasis

Answer: (C)

Peristomal skin complications are issues that affect the skin around the stoma, usually caused by irritation, moisture, or contact with output or the appliance. Irritant contact dermatitis happens when skin comes into repeated or prolonged contact with irritants such as adhesive materials, cleansing products, or the enzymes and moisture from stool or urine. This damages the skin’s protective barrier, leading to redness, tenderness, and sometimes cracking under or around the wafer. It’s a classic example of a peristomal skin problem because it directly results from the day-to-day interface between the skin, the appliance, and stoma output.

Allergic contact dermatitis can occur, but it’s driven by an immune reaction to a component in the adhesive or barrier and may present differently or require patch testing to identify. Candidiasis is a fungal infection that often shows moist, inflamed skin with satellite lesions, not simply irritation. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that isn’t specific to the appliance and can involve the peristomal area but isn’t the typical peristomal skin complication described in standard care lists. For prevention and treatment of irritant dermatitis, focus on reducing irritant exposure, ensuring a proper seal, protecting the skin with a barrier film or appropriate skin barrier, and gentle skin care.