Mastering Skin Health in the Ostomy Patient

Peristomal skin complications lead to increases in patient distress and healthcare costs . While many skin disorders initially present with similar clinical findings, successful management requires accurate assessment, differential diagnosis, and timely intervention. This session will explore the pathophysiology, assessment, and evidence-based management of peristomal skin disorders encountered across acute care, outpatient, and community settings. Participants will review common to complex conditions from irritant contact dermatitis to immune-mediated and infectious conditions. Through case-based discussion and clinical image review, attendees will strengthen their diagnostic reasoning, identify key assessment findings, and develop practical treatment strategies that promote skin integrity and pouching success. This session will provide clinicians with actionable tools to distinguish between look-alike conditions, optimize pouching systems, implement evidence-based interventions, and recognize when referral to specialty services is warranted. By improving assessment skills and early intervention strategies, clinicians can reduce complications, enhance patient outcomes, and improve quality of life for individuals living with an ostomy.