[Assessment of the prevalence and perception of skin problems in patients with permanent stoma].
BACKGROUND
The incidence of peristomal skin in ostomy patients ranges from 25 to 35%. In a recent paper it was reported that patients may not be aware of the skin problem.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the prevalence and characteristics of skin disorders in ostomy patients and to assess their perception of the skin problem.


METHODS
Consecutive patients attending the stoma care clinic of Varese Hospital and with a permanent stoma (>1 year) were asked if they had any skin problem subsequently visited by the stoma care nurse. The skin problems were classified with two different scales (Mosè le tavole and SACS).


RESULTS
Of 48 patients, 35 (73%) declared no skin problems but overall 27 patients had a skin disorder (11/13 of those aware of having a problem and 16/35 of those not aware). Patients that self cared for their stoma did not report any problem although 27/31 had some skin disorder. No patient reported to have a skin erosion although 13 were detected by the stoma care nurse.


CONCLUSIONS
Although "expert" patients may not be aware of their skin problems. Attention should be paid not only to patients with recent stomas but also to those with permanent stoma, that may need further educational support.
Piccinellil
Margherita
M
Infermniere Enterostomiste Ambulatorio Stomizzati Clinic Chirurgico, Ospedale di Circolo Varese.
Brazzale
Roberta
R
Saracco
Carla
C
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010030:Ostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*