BACKGROUND Peristomal dermatitis is a common complication for the 700000+ patients in the US with an ostomy. The role of stoma skin care products (SSCP) in peristomal dermatitis is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To evaluate SSCPs as a cause of peristomal dermatitis. METHODS Retrospective chart review of patients with peristomal dermatitis at 4 academic hospitals from Jan 2010 to March 2014. Patient demographics, clinical information, and use test and patch test results were documented. RESULTS 18 patients identified with peristomal dermatitis were tested. The frequency of peristomal contact dermatitis was 12/18. We identified numerous stoma skin care products as triggers of irritant and/or allergic contact dermatitis. The most common stoma skin care product used and/or involved in dermatitis was Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film. CONCLUSIONS Our data support a paradigm shift where health care workers treating patients with peristomal dermatitis, currently considered a reaction mainly to bodily fluids, must now consider those products used to protect the skin as potential triggers for this disease. Therefore, patients with peristomal dermatitis should be tested to their stoma skin care agents to determine the need for removing or changing these products. Additionally, full ingredient labeling by manufacturers would help identify new allergens and irritants.

In this follow-up study, 4.1% of 591 dermatitis patients reacted to SSO and/or SMO. Given the presence of SSO in many popular topical corticosteroid formulations, clinicians should consider allergy to sorbitans when patients do not improve with topical corticosteroid therapy.

Capture of the insect, epidemiologic features, and a high clinical suspicion can aid in making the correct diagnosis. Primary prevention through public awareness, decreased use of artificial lighting, and mosquito nets can limit the extent and severity of outbreaks.