The Crusting Technique

Although the term "crust" might conjure thoughts of pies rather than wounds, crusting is an important technique in wound and ostomy care.

What is crusting?

Crusting refers to a skin care procedure where a “crust” is made using an ostomy powder (which may or may not contain an anti-fungal agent) and an alcohol-free barrier film. The crust helps protect the skin from stool and urine.

How do I apply a crust?

Procedure:

1. Clean skin gently with normal saline, no-rinse skin cleanser, or plain water.

2. Sprinkle a layer of ostomy powder over the area to be treated. Gently brush off excess powder using a 4x4" gauze. The goal is to have a thin layer of powder covering the entire moist area.

3. Spray or swipe barrier film over powdered area. Allow barrier film to dry. If an area is missed, allow the entire area to dry first before going back and applying barrier film.

4. Sometimes additional layers of crust may be indicated, in which case you will repeat steps 1-3 once or twice.

5. Crusting is usually performed at least daily.

Skin conditions this technique is useful with:

• Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD)

• Irritant Contact Dermatitis

• Other moisture-associated skin damage (MASD)