Stoma Care - Sucralfate powder for use on stoma sites

The name of the powder you have been prescribed is Sucralfate Powder.

What is Sucralfate powder?

Sucralfate powder is used on damaged skin around stoma sites in order to reduce pain and encourage healing.

How does Sucralfate powder work?

It forms a physical barrier between the stoma pouch and the skin, helping stop any further damage.

How is Sucralfate powder used?

The powder should be lightly applied to the areas of damaged skin.

A light gauze pad/soft wipe is usually used to apply the powder to the affected skin upon each pouch change. Any excess powder should be lightly brushed off the skin before applying the new stoma pouch. Too much powder left on the skin will prevent the stoma pouch from sticking.

What causes the skin to become sore?

The most common cause of skin damage is when faeces or urine leaks from the stoma site onto the skin. This can be due to the stoma changing shape, the stoma contents dissolving the adhesive or the hole on the pouch being too large.

How can I prevent this happening?

The stoma remodels and changes shape throughout its lifetime. It is important that you re-measure your stoma regularly and change the size of the hole in the bag appropriately. If you have any doubts about your stoma size, please contact your stoma care specialist for advice.

How long will this treatment last?

If Sucralfate powder is an effective treatment for your damaged skin, then the skin will usually heal within about four weeks.
Further courses of treatment may be needed if the skin becomes sore again.

Are there any side effects?

Sucralfate powder in tablet form has been used orally for many years for the treatment of peptic ulcers. No unwanted effects have been reported yet with applying Sucralfate powder to the skin. If you experience any side effects, please report them to your stoma care specialist/doctor. If you have any problems with your stoma pouch staying fixed in place, try using less powder.

How do I obtain further supplies?

Sucralfate powder is an unlicensed medicine and is not available on general prescription. It is therefore only available from the hospital pharmacy at Salford Royal Hospital. Further supplies can be arranged by telephoning 0161 206 4204.

However, you may be invited to attend the Stoma Nurse Led Clinic at Salford Royal Hospital or if more convenient we can contact your local stoma nurse to arrange a review of your peristomal skin to ensure this is the most suitable and effective treatment for you.

Who can I contact for further information?

For more information on the use of Sucralfate powder contact your local Stoma Care Specialist or the doctor responsible for this treatment.

Salford Royal Stoma Care Department on 0161 206 4204 Monday to Friday 7.00am to 5.30pm or email stomacare@nca.nhs.uk