Background A stoma is the actual end of the ureter or small or large bowel that can be seen protruding through the abdominal wall. Some practitioners advocate the use of eosin as an astringent to dry periostomal skin. The most common specific types of ostomies are described, with dermatological problems, such as dermatitis peristomal.

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of aqueous eosin, 2% topical, in patients with ostomy associated with periostomal dermatitis, with varying degrees of injury.

Material and methods A prospective cohort study was performed. All patients were followed-up for 2 months after the start of treatment. 9 patients with any type of ostomy and associated peristomal dermatitis were included. Effectiveness was measured by a standardised scale, Ostomy Skin Tool, recently created. The scale assesses the state of the peristomal skin through direct clinical observations by means of the DET score (colour change, erosion and hyperplasia score, from 0 to 3 for each field, with a total score of 15). Patients received a single dose of aqueous eosin 2% topical. Evaluation of each patient was made every 72 h. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as a final DET score of 0, equivalent to healthy skin and healing.

Results 9 patients (6 men and 3 women) were included, with a mean age of 65 years (55, 75). Previous diagnosis: 8 patients with colostomy, with an average DET score of 7 (5–9) and a patient with ileostomy with a DET score of 8. The average processing time was 12 days (3, 20). The primary efficacy endpoint was reached in 9 cases, with a median time to healing of 6 days. In addition, in 4 patients, early response was achieved at the day 3 review. Dermatitis in our patients was caused by irritation of the skin in direct contact with secretions from the stoma itself, leakage and/or irritative substance of the ostomy appliance.

Conclusion Our study shows that aqueous eosin 2% topical administration was used effectively in the treatment of periostomal dermatitis with varying degrees of injury, achieving complete cure in all patients.

References and/or Acknowledgements To Encarna Lacasa for her love of her profession

No conflict of interest.