An intestinal stoma is a deliberately performed connection of the intestinal lumen with the surface of the body as a result of a surgical procedure. The proper functioning of a stoma has a large impact on its acceptance by the patient and on his/her quality of life. Despite the continuous improvement of surgical techniques and appropriate preoperative preparation of the patient, complications of the skin around the stoma are still the biggest problem for the patient. They occur with high frequency and result in leakage of ostomy equipment and increased cost of stoma care. Complications of the stoma in many cases can be effectively prevented. Knowledge of risk factors for skin lesions allows for their early elimination or for appropriate preventive measures to be taken.