Purpose：We evaluated whether a combination of skin barrier and skin sealant can reduce the amount of stratum comeum removed upon peeling off the skin barrier, and whether skin barrier function is maintained.

Methods：Skin was prepared with tape stripping using an adhesive on the lower abdomen of eight volunteers. Two types of sealant were applied to the skin, and a skin barrier was placed over the region. The skin barrier was covered by a film dressing, and 48 hours after application, the skin barrier was peeled off and the amount of skin remaining was measured. The skin barrier and skin sealant were applied to the region again, and the procedure repeated after 4 and 6 days. Peel force, cell quantification with staining, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured every second day.

Results：The combination of skin barrier and skin sealant significantly reduced peel force, amount of stratum comeum removed, and TEWL (p<0.O1). Sealant B in particular reduced the amount of stratum corneum removed and TEWL.

Conclusion：These results suggest that use of a sealant under the skin barrier can reduce peel irritation and maintain skin barrier function.

Many staff members at community post-discharge facilities do not possess the knowledge and skills required to provide ostomy care, This is often the reason for rejecting care for newly discharged ostomates. Since 2006, Matsue Red Cross Hospital, s nursing team has been collaborating with post-discharge facilities by organizing workshops to share their knowledge of ostomy care and related issues with staff members working at these facilities. This report describes one successful case of a new ostomate who transitioned smoothly from hospital discharge to a post-discharge facility. This type of visiting consultation program involving community facilities is very efficient in terms of developing institute-community collaborations and the facilitation of asmoother patient transition from hospital to post-discharge care.

Peristomal skin problems can arise for a number of reasons. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 24 patients with colostomy and peristomal skin problems. Most peristomal skin problems (n＝16) occurred during the summer months (July to September), and we attributed this to increased sweating during these months. Our hospital is located in the northem part of Saitama Prefecture, one of the hottest regions in Japan. In this hot weather, most patients were engaged in farming or other outside work. This suggests that weather conditions may have caused the skin problems. These results highlight the need to take into account the living environment when providing patient guidance.