After surgery involving the removal of a section of your bladder or bowel, you might need a stoma. While stomas are common practice for patients living with cancer, irritable bowel syndrome is also sometimes aided with a stoma to enhance patient quality of life if surgeons are not able to reconnect the digestive system after surgery.
There are also different types of stoma, such as colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy.
Infections around your stoma are rare but not impossible. Caring for your stoma will prevent infections from starting. It is essential to check your stoma thoroughly every time you change the appliance.
Clean Your Stoma Regularly
Cleaning will help you to prevent any irritations; it’s essential to develop a cleaning routine for this reason. Thoroughly check the wound site for any skin irritations when cleaning your stoma.
Suppose you have noticed inflamed skin or any other signs of a problem. In that case, you can try applying a stoma powder to absorb any excess moisture around your stoma will reduce irritation and allow for a better application.
Avoid Skin Care Products Containing Alcohol
Skincare products that contain alcohol can cause dryness and irritation around the site. This could cause leaks leading to irritation and possibly infection.
Avoid Oil-Based Products
When you use oil-based skin products on the area around your stoma, there is an oil residue left behind on your skin. This will make it hard for your stoma bag to stick to your skin, leaving you open to injuries around your stoma site.
Take A Skin Break
A skin break is usually around 15 to 30 minutes, where you leave your skin uncovered after removing your pouching system.
Taking a skin break can lessen the effects of irritation or prevent irritation from happening. When taking a skin break, hold a towel or container over your stoma to catch any leaks that may occur. Although skin breaks are not necessary, they do contribute to overall skin health.
Change The Pouching System Regularly
By changing your pouching system regularly, you reduce the risk of leaks and irritation. Try marking on a calendar when you last changed your pouching system so you don’t forget. Using write-on stickers on your stoma bag to keep the date is mess-free and practical.
Don’t wait for burning or leaking before changing your system. Dry the skin around your stoma site completely before replacing your pouching system. If you do not have a drainable pouch, your stoma bag will need to be changed regularly; between 1 to 3 times daily or as often as needed.
Your stoma bag will need to be changed with every bowel movement. Keep all required equipment close by when it is time to change your stoma bag.
Be Careful When Removing The Pouching System
Try gently pushing your skin away from the sticky barrier when removing the skin barrier. Don’t remove your pouching system multiple times a day unless there is an issue.
Sensitivities And Allergies
Allergies and sensitivities can develop after years of using the same product. Keep an eye out for anything that irritates your skin. If your skin is only irritated around where the pouch goes, try using a pouch cover or a different pouch brand. You can make your own pouch cover or try buying freely available covers. You will need to experiment with what works best for you and your skin.
Size Does Matter
Using the right size opening and bag goes a long way in preventing irritations. Cuts and swelling can be caused by an opening that is too small for the stoma. Leaks will happen if the opening is too large, which causes irritation. Changing the pouch or skin barrier can solve this issue.
Measure Your Stoma Regularly
It is possible for your stoma to change size regularly, especially in the days and weeks following your operation, as the swelling decreases. Weight loss and weight gain will also cause an increase or decrease in size. To keep your stoma healthy, a perfectly fit stoma bag is crucial.
A Proper Seal
If you notice your stoma bag isn’t sticking properly, there could be other factors involved. Make sure the area around the application is hair-free. You could try shaving carefully around your stoma site. Experts recommend dry shaving around the site using a stoma powder. This could prevent irritation from soaps or shaving creams.
Hernia Belts
If you are quite a sporty person, you could try using a hernia belt to provide support. Hernia belts will prevent your bag from getting knocked or pulled away. Emptying your bag before physical activity will also prevent sudden leaks.
A stoma is not very complicated to care for, but the care is meticulous. A stoma will not prevent any activity you love. Always follow any care directions given to you by your healthcare provider.