Memorial Day: 10% Off*|Code: HPMW10

Day
:
:
Online since 2002 |   866-316-0162

Articles and News

Showering With Ostomy Bag

Showering With Ostomy Bag
Christine Kijek

Once you’ve had ostomy surgery, you will no doubt have many questions. An ostomate faces several challenges after this procedure, but with a little time and thought, everyday activities become easy and routine.  

As you probably already know, good hygiene becomes even more important after ostomy surgery. Bathing with an ostomy is not difficult. The stoma does not interfere with being clean and there are many options available to keep the stoma from getting wet while showering or bathing. The type of stoma you have may play a part in what technique you choose.  

5 Tips for Showering With Ostomy Bag

You can shower with a pouch and barrier in place. The material on the pouching system dries quickly by towel drying or using a blow drier on a low setting. Soap, water, and air will not harm the stoma. When showering without the pouching system in place, there are a few factors to consider - 

1. Stoma type 

  • Ileostomy: Since the output is unpredictable, choose a time when the stoma is least active. For most, it is first thing in the morning. Don’t eat or drink until after the shower.  
  • Colostomy: Choose a time when the stoma is least active. If you have regular bowel habits, this is easy. If your BM occurs in the morning, you may choose to shower with the pouch off before bedtime.  
  • Urostomy: Showering in the morning before drinking fluids is best.  

2. Soap, shower gels & lotions 

  • Certain types affect the adhesion of your next pouching system. 
  • Avoid soaps with moisturizing agents, shower gels, and soap with residue. If you must use soap, Ivory or Dial are good choices. 
  • Do not apply moisturizing lotion to the skin around the stoma (peristomal skin) 

3. When to shower  

  • Shower with the pouching system off on days your pouching system is due to be changed. 

4. Ostomy barrier/ wafer

  • Do not shower with just the wafer (flange or barrier). Keep the pouch on. Showering with the barrier on without the pouch can compromise the seal of the barrier.  
  • Cover the pouch and barrier with a plastic bag (Ziplock works great). Tape on the top and on each side.

5. Keep the system dry

When you are in the shower, it is very important to keep the system dry. While that may seem impossible, there are many ways to make bathing an easy task. To make sure the pouching system does not get wet, consider the following tips: 

 

Personal hygiene with an ostomy is easy. Your routine may be slightly altered from what you were used to. It may seem overwhelming at first, but creating your new normal soon becomes a habit. Once that happens, comfort and confidence follow!  

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.


HPFY Christine Kijek

Christine Kijek

LinkedIn Profile

 

Christine Kijek is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She has completed courses for wound and ostomy specialty and has 20 years of experience. She has been ...

Read More

Trending Articles

What Everyone Should Know About Resistance Band Colors

Kevin Cleary

Resistance exercise bands come in a number of colors and it’s not just for decoration. Many people use these bands however, they do not have the knowledge of the colors and the purpose with which they are designed.

5 Facts about Syringes You Wish You Knew Before

Kevin Cleary

A syringe is a pump consisting of a snugly fit piston(or plunger) within a calibrated glass or plastic cylinder called a barrel.The syringe is equipped with a hypodermic needle, nozzle, or tubing that helps direct the flow of medication.

TOP 5 BEST REVIEWED NEBULIZERS OF 2022

Kevin Cleary

Breathing disorders, such as COPD or asthma, can be a major detriment when it comes to quality-of-life issues.Treating these breathing ailments with medications is the main course of treatment.Being able to deliver aerosol medication directly into the lungs in an expedited fashion is the best way to manage these lung disorders. The use of a nebulizer for aerosol medications allows for the efficient and easy delivery of these medications.

MINERAL OIL VS SALINE ENEMA: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

Kevin Cleary

An enema is used for many reasons.Just as there are many reasons, there are different types of enemas, each of which contains different ingredients and works differently in the body. While some may choose an enema to soften stool or for routine colon cleansing, the reason for using an enema may have more of a medical necessity.

FIVE BEST CERVICAL TRACTION DEVICES OF 2022

Taikhum Sadiq

Cervical traction is a technique applied to the cervical region of the body to help alleviate neck pain, discomfort, and other physical conditions related to the cervical region.Cervical traction works by stressing the neck, pulling, and pushing, thus reducing the pressure on the spine, the neck, and the upper torso.Excessive stress on the neck, spine, and upper region, due to a wide range of conditions or injuries can cause severe pain and can lead to other complications.Cervical traction devices help alleviates these conditions thus offering overall body rehabilitation and treatment options.