Stoma Paste FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Ostomy Barrier Paste

Stoma paste (also called ostomy paste or skin barrier paste) is one of the most commonly used ostomy accessories, but it's also one of the most misunderstood. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from ostomy patients and caregivers.

What is stoma paste used for?

Stoma paste is a soft, moldable barrier product used to fill in uneven skin contours — creases, scars, folds, or dips — around the stoma. By creating a flatter surface, it helps your skin barrier (wafer) form a tighter seal, which reduces the chance of output leaking underneath the barrier and irritating your skin.

Stoma paste is not an adhesive. It doesn't help your pouch stick better — its job is purely to fill gaps and protect skin from drainage.

Do I need stoma paste?

Not everyone does. If your abdomen is relatively flat around the stoma and your skin barrier already forms a good seal, you may not need paste at all. Stoma paste is most useful for people with:

• Scars, folds, or creases near the stoma
• A retracted or uneven stoma
• Peristomal skin that tends to get irritated from leakage
• A stoma near the belly button, waistline, or skin folds

If you're unsure, a wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nurse can assess your peristomal skin and tell you whether paste, rings, or strips are the better fit.

How do I apply stoma paste?

1. Wash and dry the skin around your stoma thoroughly.
2. Apply a thin, even bead of paste to the inner edge of your skin barrier, right where it will meet the stoma opening — or directly onto uneven areas of skin.
3. Let it sit for a minute or two if you're using an alcohol-based paste, so some of the alcohol can evaporate before it contacts your skin.
4. Apply your skin barrier and pouch as usual, pressing firmly to seat it.

Use a light hand — a thick layer of paste can actually interfere with the barrier's seal rather than improve it.

Does stoma paste help my pouch stick better?

No. This is the most common misconception. Stoma paste fills gaps and blocks drainage from tracking underneath the barrier; it does not add adhesive strength. If your pouch is having trouble sticking, the issue is more likely related to skin prep, barrier fit, or the adhesive itself — not a lack of paste.

What happens if stoma paste touches my stoma?

It won't harm the stoma or interfere with output. As you press the skin barrier into place, it's normal to see some paste settle around the stoma opening.

Do I need to let the paste "set up" before applying my pouch?

Some people find their seal holds better if they let the paste sit for a short time (often 30–60 seconds) before applying the skin barrier, especially with alcohol-based pastes. Others apply immediately with no issue. It's worth trying both ways to see what works best for your skin and routine.

How do I remove stoma paste?

Paste comes off naturally when you remove your pouch. If you're changing pouches after a very short wear time, you may see paste residue — gently lift it off rather than scrubbing. If a small, clean-looking amount of residue remains, it's generally fine to apply your new barrier directly over it.

Why does stoma paste sting when I apply it?

Most stoma pastes (including Hollister Adapt® and ConvaTec Stomahesive®) contain a small amount of alcohol, which can cause a stinging sensation — especially on skin that's already irritated, cracked, or newly healing. If stinging is a recurring problem:

• Look for a low-alcohol formula, which reduces stinging.
• Consider an alcohol-free alternative, such as Hollister Adapt® Barrier Strips or barrier rings, which are gentler on sensitive or already-irritated skin.

What's the difference between stoma paste, rings, and strips?

Many people use a combination — for example, strips along a skin fold and a small bead of paste to fine-tune the seal near the stoma itself.

Can I use ConvaTec paste with a Hollister barrier (or vice versa)?

Generally, yes — stoma paste isn't brand-locked to a specific pouching system. Hollister Adapt® Paste and ConvaTec Stomahesive® Paste serve the same purpose and can typically be used with any skin barrier brand. If you have sensitive skin or a known allergy, patch-test a new product or check with your WOC nurse before switching.

How long does a tube of stoma paste last?

This varies widely based on how much you use per change and how often you change your pouch, but a 2 oz tube used sparingly for a single fold or crease can often last several weeks to a couple of months.

---

Have a question we didn't cover? Contact our team — we're happy to help you find the right ostomy accessories for your needs.

Related products:

• Hollister Adapt® Paste, 2 oz
• Eakin Cohesive® Paste, 2 oz
• Hollister Adapt® Barrier Strips
• Skin Barrier Pastes and Powders