Granulation tissue (GT) is a reactionary tissue overdevelopment that can develop in approximately 60% of individuals with enteral feeding tubes. It is thought that movement, friction and moisture can promote the development of this tissue. If untreated, GT will continue to contribute to further movement and leaking. GT can also make its own secretions which will often bleed.

GT is the body’s attempt at “healing” the stoma site closed, since the body is not meant to have a tube in it. When enteral feeding tubes are not properly secured or properly fitted, the tubes can leak and move easily. When a tube site leaks, it is leaking gastric contents that are high in acid. Acidic contents that touch healthy skin can cause the skin to become erythematous (reddened), excoriated (open skin) and very sore. Further untreated irritation that leads to excoriation, or open skin, can promote localized skin infection, worsening the redness and irritation. In order to reverse these problems and promote healing and improvement of the skin, one should consider the following points when it comes to their feeding tube.

1)     Standard recommendations are to change the gastrostomy tube every 3 months. Gastrostomy tubes that are not changed regularly, can have a buildup of bacteria. Bacteria buildup can lead to skin irritation because it causes an inflammatory response.

2)     Regularly confirm the feeding tube balloon water amount. G-tubes are not 100% consistent. They can lose water over time because the balloon valves get old or the water evaporates. For AMT Mini-One, the recommended water amount is printed on the tube valve. For Mic Key products, the recommended water amount is located in the patient handbook. Checking the water in the balloon will ensure a proper fitting tube which will minimize the chance of adverse conditions associated with leaking. For other brands and tubes check the manufacture recommendations. 

3)     If you have irritated, sore skin that may be caused by a leaking, poorly-fitting Gtube, follow the recommendations above to improve your Gtube fit. As the skin around your Gtube heals and improves, you should protect that skin diligently with a barrier cream. Creams such as Zinc Oxide, A&D Ointment, Ilex or Desitin will prevent acidic contents and GranuLotion® from touching the affected skin. GranuLotion® utilizes many skin-friendly ingredients to help promote a healthy stoma site. However, it also uses micronized Potassium Alum to shrink Granulation tissue. Potassium Alum can cause stinging or mild burning if it comes in contact with severely irritated or excoriated skin. Use a separate skin barrier on any reddened/irritated skin creating a "bullseye" around the site, then pinpoint GranuLotion® on the GT. 

We are happy that GranuLotion® has helped so many people deal with troublesome G-tube sites. We would invite all of you to contact our Nurse Practitioner chris@granulotion.com or PM on FaceBook if you have concerns or questions. Please email us your Gtube site pictures so we can help with improvement recommendations. Any recommendations provided are solely the opinion of GranuLotion Global, Inc. and should never take the place of the advice from your doctor. Always consult with your doctor prior to starting any new treatment. 

Team GranuLotion®