Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free COCN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Maintaining skin health around the stoma is crucial for preventing irritation and complications. Keeping the area dry is essential because moisture can lead to skin breakdown and increase the risk of skin infections. A dry skin environment helps to ensure that the adhesive on ostomy appliances adheres well, providing a secure seal and protecting the skin from effluent.

While it may seem beneficial to apply creams to the skin, excessive use of these products can actually create a barrier that interferes with the adhesive properties of the ostomy products. Harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, which compromise skin integrity. Lastly, leaving the area open to air may not provide protection from effluent and can also expose the skin to moisture and bacteria, increasing the risk of skin problems.

Thus, maintaining dryness helps to protect the skin's surface, promotes healing, and reduces the likelihood of complications, making it the best practice for skin health around the stoma.