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General product information only, not medical advice. Your ostomy nurse or clinician decides what suits your stoma and skin, and the package insert for your own paste always governs.
Stoma paste is a filler, not a glue. ConvaTec’s application card for its Stomahesive paste describes it as “not a glue or adhesive” but a filler or “caulking” substance that adds wear time by giving the pouching system a flat surface and helping prevent leakage under the skin barrier. People searching how to use stoma paste usually want to know where the paste sits in the pouching system and how it relates to the barrier. In that card, the paste is placed as a thin bead on the adhesive side of the barrier, or on the skin right around the stoma, and it comes off together with the barrier.
What stoma paste is used with
- A tube of paste made for use with a particular barrier. ConvaTec’s card says its paste is designed for use with Stomahesive and Durahesive barriers; the University of Chicago Medicine handout pairs Hollister Adapt paste with a Hollister pouch. Brands are paired, so the insert tells you what a given paste is made for.
- A skin barrier or pouch sized to fit up to the stoma. The University of Chicago Medicine handout notes the stoma may change size as it heals and the barrier must fit up to it.
- Adhesive remover wipes, which the ConvaTec card says may be used when the barrier comes off.
How manufacturers describe paste placement
The two published sources below describe external skin-barrier products, not an invasive procedure. The ConvaTec card names two placements, and the package insert for your own paste gives the full instructions for use.
On the skin barrier
ConvaTec’s card describes a thin bead of paste on the back of the barrier, around the opening, on the adhesive side. It states the paste is not spread and is not put on the outer rim of the barrier. The University of Chicago Medicine handout describes the same idea with a small bead of Hollister Adapt paste around the cut edge of the pouch adhesive. The card says gentle pressure over the whole barrier distributes the paste so it rises around the stoma and forms an additional seal.
On the skin
The ConvaTec card also describes paste placed on the skin immediately around the stoma, enough to cover exposed skin between the barrier and the stoma, or on skin where folds, uneven surfaces or scars are present to create a level pouching surface. It notes that wetting a finger first lets the paste be moved without sticking to the finger.
Removal
ConvaTec’s card says its paste is easily removed with the skin barrier, and that it is not necessary to remove all of the paste before a new application; the portion that is not easily removed is left in place rather than risking irritation by scrubbing. The same card lists adhesive remover wipes and warm water with a soft cloth as ways residue can be removed. Details differ by brand, so the insert governs.
Paste, powder and rings: which is which
| Product | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Paste | Filler or “caulking” to make a flat pouching surface and help prevent leaks under the barrier (ConvaTec). |
| Powder | A separate product, described in the University of Chicago Medicine handout as a light dusting with excess brushed off. See stoma powder. |
| Barrier ring | A separate accessory category; see Eakin ring. |
Labels and common mistakes
- Spreading paste or putting it on the outer rim. ConvaTec’s card says not to do either when paste is placed on the barrier.
- Oils or creams on the skin. The University of Chicago Medicine handout says products with creams or oils on the skin around the stoma interfere with how well the pouch adheres.
- Scrubbing off residue. The ConvaTec card says to leave what is not easily removed rather than risk irritation.
- External-use label. The ConvaTec card says its paste is for external use only, is not to be applied into an open wound or skin ulcer, and contains alcohol. Other brands differ, so the insert for your own product governs.
- Treating paste as an adhesive. It fills gaps; the barrier still does the sticking. For adhesives, see ostomy adhesives.
When to get professional help
Contact your ostomy nurse or clinician if the skin around the stoma is damaged, painful or persistently irritated, if the pouching system keeps leaking, or if you are unsure which paste, barrier or method suits you. Do not change your routine on the basis of a general web page.
FAQ
Is stoma paste a glue?
No. ConvaTec’s card says it is not a glue or adhesive but a filler, used like caulking, that helps the barrier seal.
Does paste go on the skin or on the barrier?
ConvaTec’s card describes both: a thin bead on the adhesive side of the barrier, or paste on the skin right around the stoma. The insert and your clinician decide which applies to you.
Does all the paste have to come off at each barrier change?
ConvaTec’s card says it is not necessary to remove all of it; the portion that does not come off easily is left in place instead of scrubbed.
Can paste be used with any ostomy type?
ConvaTec’s card says its paste is suitable for all types of ostomies. The insert for any other brand governs. For background on the pouch itself, see what an ostomy bag is, and for barrier types, solid skin barriers. A related skin-protection product is described in what Cavilon is.
Sources
Both sources checked 4 November 2026.
- ConvaTec, “Application Card: How to Use Stomahesive Paste” (AP-007806-US, June 2009): https://medicalmonks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/StomahesivePaste_AppGuide.pdf. This is a copy of the manufacturer card hosted on a retailer site, not on ConvaTec’s own site. The card refers readers to the package insert for complete instructions.
- University of Chicago Medicine, “Ostomy Care Directions” patient handout (dated 12/14): https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/-/media/pdfs/adult-pdfs/conditions-and-services/colon-and-rectal/ostomy/ostomy-care-directions-1214.pdf.
