The Science Behind Healthy Skin

At Hollister Ostomy Care, we are driven by clinical evidence and innovation. Through ongoing clinical studies, research initiatives, and product evaluations, we seek to provide you with the best possible products to serve your individual needs.

This means there's a custom solution for each unique stoma and body type — so you can leave the worry behind and get back to living life to the fullest.

The Anatomy of Skin

One role of the skin is to provide a barrier between the inside of the body and the external environment. The outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis, performs this function.

The epidermis has five layers. The top layer — the stratum corneum — is responsible for protecting the tissue underneath from infection, dehydration, chemicals, and mechanical stress from the skin barrier.

Epidermis

The Stratum Corneum

The stratum corneum is made up of cells called corneocytes. These cells interlock together in complex vertical columns, filled with a mix of proteins and lipids. Any outside substance must penetrate a tough path within this matrix.

In addition to protecting the body from outside invaders, the stratum corneum prevents the escape of water and helps the skin stay well hydrated, healthy, and supple.

The Role of Ceramide

Ceramide is a natural component of human skin that supports the function of all five of the layers of the epidermis. Ceramide is made of waxy, lipid molecules that link cells together to form a waterproof, protective barrier. Ceramides help prevent water loss that can lead to skin damage and dryness.

Just like a brick wall needs mortar to keep it strong and firm, the skin needs ceramide to bond the cells of the outer skin.

The relationship between ceramide and skin health has been well established. Ceramide levels are abundant in healthy skin. Lower levels of ceramide may be present in dry, damaged, and inflamed skin.

The Evidence is Clear

Global CeraPlus Skin Barrier Evaluation¹

The CeraPlus skin barrier is our newest skin barrier. It's infused with ceraminde, the skin's naturally occurring protection against dryness. The CeraPlus skin barrier is designed to maintain adhesive properties, while also helping to maintain healthy skin.

Hollister Ostomy Care recently asked 184 clinicians from around the world to use the CeraPlus skin barrier with Remois Technology² and provide us with their feedback.

Based on their evaluations of 284 patients³, they indicated that the use of the CeraPlus skin barrier:
- is associated with peristomal skin benefits
- increases skin barrier wear time
- decreases the need for topical medications and accessories
In a word — they were impressed. And we are, too. Here are just a few highlights of what we learned:

Ease of use
and application?

Satisfied or highly satisfied

Ease of use
and application?

Satisfied or highly satisfied

Adherence
or stickiness?

Satisfied or highly satisfied

Adherence
or stickiness?

Satisfied or highly satisfied

Ease of
removal?

Satisfied or highly satisfied

Ease of
removal?

Satisfied or highly satisfied

Wear
time?

Satisfied or highly satisfied

Wear
time?

Satisfied or highly satisfied

For full details, or to give the CeraPlus skin barrier a try with patients, healthcare professionals should contact their Hollister Ostomy Care sales representative.

If you're living with an ostomy and would like to learn more about the CeraPlus skin barrier click here.

You can also contact Hollister Secure Start services at 1.888.808.7456 to request a sample.

1. The data produced are not the result of a randomized or controlled study. Data on file. Hollister Incorporated.
2. Remois is a technology of Alcare Co., Ltd.
2. As reported by their Stoma Care nurse with product used as part of overall care plan.
3. Taneja, C., Netsch, D., Rolstad, BZ., Inglese, G., Lamerato, L., Oster, G., Clinical and Economic Burden of Peristomal Skin Complications in Patients with Recent Ostomies JWOCN 2017 Vol. 44, No. 4 Page 350-357

Case Studies

CeraPlus Skin Barrier Case Study #1
Baseline
Ostomy Type: Ileostomy
Skin Barrier: One-piece, flat, cut-to-fit, extended wear
Accessories: None
Wear Time: The patient was changing the barrier up to three times daily due to leakage
Condition: Mucocutaneous separation (MCS) and irritant contact dermatitis
- Raw, irritated skin
- Bleeding and burning
Baseline
Ostomy Type: Ileostomy
Skin Barrier: One-piece, flat, cut-to-fit, extended wear
Accessories: None
Wear Time: The patient was changing the barrier up to three times daily due to leakage
Condition: Mucocutaneous separation (MCS) and irritant contact dermatitis
- Raw, irritated skin
- Bleeding and burning
Post CeraPlus Barrier Use
Ostomy Type: Ileostomy
Skin Barrier: One-piece, convex, cut-to-fit, extended wear
Accessories: Belt
NOTE: The mucocutaneous separation was treated with stoma powder and skin protective wipe until the irritation resolved
Wear Time: On average, the patient changed the barrier every three to four days
Condition: Peristomal skin condition improved
Additional Comments: After photo taken at Day 7
Post CeraPlus Barrier Use
Ostomy Type: Ileostomy
Skin Barrier: One-piece, convex, cut-to-fit, extended wear
Accessories: Belt
NOTE: The mucocutaneous separation was treated with stoma powder and skin protective wipe until the irritation resolved
Wear Time: On average, the patient changed the barrier every three to four days
Condition: Peristomal skin condition improved
Additional Comments: After photo taken at Day 7
CeraPlus Skin Barrier Case Study #2
Baseline
Ostomy Type: Ileostomy
Skin Barrier: Two-piece, convex, cut-to-fit, extended wear
Accessories: Barrier ring
Wear Time: The patient was changing every four days and this decreased to every few hours
Condition: Peristomal Moisture Associated Dermatitis (PMASD) and irritant contact dermatitis
- Red, irritated, and painful
- Moist and weeping
- Switched to another standard wear barrier with some improvement
- Taking medication for pain relief
Baseline
Ostomy Type: Ileostomy
Skin Barrier: Two-piece, convex, cut-to-fit, extended wear
Accessories: Barrier ring
Wear Time: The patient was changing every four days and this decreased to every few hours
Condition: Peristomal Moisture Associated Dermatitis (PMASD) and irritant contact dermatitis
- Red, irritated, and painful
- Moist and weeping
- Switched to another standard wear barrier with some improvement
- Taking medication for pain relief
Post CeraPlus Barrier Use
Ostomy Type: Ileostomy
Skin Barrier: Two-piece, convex, cut-to-fit, extended wear
Accessories: Barrier ring
Wear Time: On average, the patient changed the barrier every four days
Condition: Peristomal skin condition improved
Additional Comments: After picture taken at Day 6
Post CeraPlus Barrier Use
Ostomy Type: Ileostomy
Skin Barrier: Two-piece, convex, cut-to-fit, extended wear
Accessories: Barrier ring
Wear Time: On average, the patient changed the barrier every four days
Condition: Peristomal skin condition improved
Additional Comments: After picture taken at Day 6