It is estimated that around 100,000 people in the UK live with a stoma. One of the most common problems encountered by ostomates (people with a stoma) is sore peristomal skin (the skin surrounding the stoma). With so many ostomates, it is more than likely that a nurse will at some time or other have to care for a patient with a stoma, therefore, it is important to be able to care for and recognise potential peristomal skin problems early. The aim of this article is to look at the fundamentals in the management of peristomal skin care.