Stoma Care

How well you can live with a stoma depends entirely on your stoma care regimen. While your bowel health dictates the quality of your life, the health of your stoma and the skin around it is also not less critical.

In this article, we will discuss some everyday stoma care tips.

Stoma care tips

• First and foremost, change your ostomy pouch before it starts leaking. Eventually, you will learn what works best for you.
• Make sure to change your ostomy pouch skin barrier twice a week. The maximum recommended wear time of a skin barrier is one week.
• Make sure to discuss with your doctor or ostomy care nurse if your wear time becomes unpredictable or erratic.
• The wear time of ostomy pouches decreases pretty much when perspiring. That is why you will have to plan the pouch-changing routine before the warmer days of the year or committing to the workout regimen.
• Plan your pouching preemptively when traveling. The best practice is to take extra ostomy supplies in your carry-on bag when flying. Take pre-cut ostomy barriers or cut them if you are taking cut-to-fit skin barriers. Avoid taking scissors in the carry-on bag. Obtain an ID that explains your condition.
• You can bathe or shower without taking the ostomy pouch off. There is no need to detach an ostomy pouch if you are using a two-piece ostomy pouching system. Alternatively, you can switch to a different ostomy pouch before bathing to keep the one you wear dry.
• There is no need to rinse an ostomy pouch after emptying. You can use a lubricating deodorant to make emptying even more convenient.
• Avoid putting oils or other cooking sprays in the ostomy pouch.
• Store your unused ostomy supplies at a cool and dry place.

Pouching tips

• Before removing the used ostomy pouch, prepare the new one.
• Make sure to empty your ostomy pouch when it is one-third to half full. Avoid your ostomy pouch from getting overfilled.
• Make sure to empty your ostomy pouch before bedtime or going for a workout.
• You may want to change your ostomy pouch in the morning when the stoma is less active. Make sure to change the ostomy pouch before eating or drinking anything.
• If you pass out a lot of gas, be sure to use an ostomy pouch with a built-in gas filter.
• After applying the new ostomy skin barrier, press it against the abdominal skin for at least 50-60 seconds. Cover it with your palms to allow the warmth of your hands to activate the barrier’s adhesive.
• Place the skin barrier on your abdominal skin in a diamond shape for a smoother fit if you use a two-piece ostomy pouch.

Skincare

• Water is usually sufficient to clean the peristomal skin. Wash your hands thoroughly after changing or emptying your ostomy pouch.
• Use mild soap if you must use something other than water to clean the peristomal skin. Make sure to avoid using soaps with oils or perfumes.
• Make sure not to use skin prepping wipes extensively. They can reduce the ostomy pouch wear time.
• Avoid using soap with lotion, creams, powders, baby wipes, steroidal medications or ointments, and isopropyl alcohol.

Remember, skin irritation is always a cause of concern, no matter how mild it is. Consult your healthcare provider immediately if you experience peristomal skin irritation.