Skin complications are common in people who have an ostomy, and often involve the skin's function as a barrier breaking down. Many products have been developed to prevent and treat complications. However, in developing countries, they may be too expensive for patients to buy or not be available. Three case studies found the use of rhassoul, an affordable clay that is readily available in Morocco, to manage peristomal skin damage and protect the skin. Its protective properties are believed to include its ability to absorb and neutralise substances in ostomy output that damage skin and to act as a barrier.
Keywords: Ostomy; Rhassoul clay; Skin care.