Finding products that fit the shape of you

Just like your stoma, your body is completely unique and truthfully, not many of us have an entirely flat tummy! So it’s important you find a stoma routine that fits and shapes to your body curves or contours.

The skin around your stoma may be uneven due to creases, scars or skin folds.  Stand up and sit down and have a look how your body shape or skin around your stoma changes during activities you would be repeating many times during a day. Your pouch goes through a lot! 

You may have also found recently changes in body shape has resulted in more pronounced uneven skin or different challenges. If:

• you have lost or gained weight
• your body is changing if you are pregnant
• have a hernia or bulge/swelling around your stoma
• your stoma is placed close to scarring or your hipbone as a result of your surgery
• your stoma is close to the skin level – not protruding far.

You may be finding if more difficult to find a secure, consistent fit with your stoma care products. 

Seals and paste are a really good solution to achieving a more even surface. While uneven skin is normal and your pouch should be able to flex while you move, it is really important to apply a pouch to as flat a surface as possible. This is to aid in initial adhesion but also ongoing stick during use which can help prevent leakages which in turn can lead to sore skin.

Choosing a mouldable seal that shapes to your body and can fill any dips or creases can help to create a smooth abdominal area for your pouch to adhere too. A mouldable seal can be placed around the stoma and gently shaped into any crease or, you can break the seal, roll a section and fill in a larger dip if required. Another option to fill in any space around your stoma is paste which can be applied and pushed into any dip. While paste can be applied with your finger, a top tip is to apply it using a cotton bud/Q-tip if you find it sticky. 

We’ve done the testing! Click here to find out more about the most mouldable seals available. 

If you have any concerns about your stoma care routine, always speak to your stoma care nurse.