Believe it or not, seaweed (a type of algae) has been known to be beneficial to your skin, for a long time now! It was first used to treat sunburn in the 4th century BC, used initially to relieve pain. But it was only two millenniums later, in the 1980’s that seaweed was taken seriously and both the elements and molecules within this weed, were examined in depth and found to have wound healing properties.
This discovery, eventually led to the development of the alginate dressing. It is the marine brown variety of seaweed, which is well known today for providing an anti-inflammatory action, leading to successful healing of damaged skin. Alginates are now widely used for both minor wounds through to more complex wounds, skin grafts and even burns. In more recent years, this alginate property has been introduced into stoma products and is effective in soothing sore and damaged skin surrounding a stoma. Many ostomates have said that they are now using Alginate stoma care products long term to soothe their skin.
So, what is alginate and where does it come from?
Alginate is produced from algin, which is known as “alginic acid” and occurs naturally in brown seaweed. This seaweed can be found in the Outer Hebrides, the West Coast of Ireland, Europe, and the USA. These brown seaweeds are harvested to be processed and converted into sodium alginate.
Sodium alginate is used in many industries including food, animal food, fertilisers, textile printing and pharmaceuticals. Medicines such as those used for acid reflux, contain sodium alginate to absorb the amount of acid produced by the gut, which maybe causing uncomfortable symptoms. Dental impression material also uses alginate, as it is a means of gelling. This gelling and absorbent ability is where alginates are extremely beneficial in protecting the skin from wounds which are exuding excess fluid. Alginates are also used in stoma care, in fused into the baseplate (or flange) of the stoma bag.
Why use an alginate bag for your stoma?
It all sounds very scientific, but the art behind it all is simple! The alginate baseplate is slightly thicker than other baseplates, so it can absorb more effluent than the hydrocolloid baseplates. Alginate’s hydrophilic properties, mean that the baseplate may absorb and lock away this moisture for a dryer and more comfortable wear.
It’s hard to know when to consider trying the alginate bag, so if you are unsure here are some ideal scenarios to help guide ostomates in products choice:
Patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or steroid treatment
For those ostomates with vulnerable skin undergoing chemotherapy, using an alginate bag may be more comfortable than your existing bag.
Sore, excoriated peristomal skin
At some point most ostomates will experience a dreaded leak from their stoma! It doesn’t take long for the peristomal skin to become irritated, inflamed and feel uncomfortable. The alginate in our baseplate can soothe this skin and may help promote skin health around the stoma.
Moist, bleeding peristomal skin
If the skin around your stoma is bleeding and moist, then the absorbent properties of the alginates may absorb this whilst still maintaining a good adhesion.
Ulcerated peristomal skin, including skin affected by pyoderma gangrenosum
Alginates are documented as a component of treatment for certain types of pyoderma, particularly pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), due to their ability to absorb exudate and maintain a moist wound environment that promotes healing.
Muco-cutaneous separation
The alginate may absorb any local exudate or bleeding to keep the affected area dry and comfortable.
Stomas which protrude excessive mucous
Mucous causes peristomal soreness. The alginate adhesive actively absorbs the mucus to soothe the skin around the stoma.
Infected peristomal suture sites
The alginate may absorb puss or serous fluid in the area and may help reduce irritation.
Patients using lots of accessories for problem skin
As all the skin soothing properties are within the actual adhesive, this virtually eliminates the need for any accessories. Making Oakmed’s alginate range of bags a cost-effective and simpler solution to many skin issues.
