Caring for someone having a stoma can be challenging sometimes. There are few things you need to watch out for to ensure you have a good stoma care routine for the person you are caring for. Here is few tips that could help you manage this situation. 

The skin around the stoma is called peristomal skin and it is important to keep it dry and healthy. A leaking pouch will lead to output coming into contact with the skin, making it sore, uncomfortable and even damaged over time.

Managing the peristomal skin is probably the most important thing:

• Make sure the skin is clean and dry around the stoma using warm water with dry wipes every time you change the pouch.
• Always apply the pouching system to dry skin, free from oily creams.
• Remove the baseplate gently, from top to bottom, when changing the pouch. You can use adhesive remover to help you remove the pouch gently.
• Keep an eye on the peristomal skin – it should look the same as the rest of your loved one’s skin. If you notice anything unusual or they complain about itching or soreness, seek advice from their stoma care nurse.
• Care for the skin from the inside out by making sure your loved one is eating a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet incorporating vital vitamins and minerals. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can also prevent skin from drying out.

What to do to avoid leakages:

• Make sure your loved one’s baseplate fits snugly around the stoma – neither too loose nor too tight. Measure the stoma regularly especially over the first 3 months as the stoma will shrink slightly over this period. The stoma nurse will show you how to customise the pouch to the perfect size. A measuring guide is provided in our pouch boxes to help with measuring and adjusting the cutting of the baseplate. Pre-cut products are also available when stoma has settled in size.
• To ensure good adhesion, gently run a finger around the baseplate edges and where it meets the stoma. It can also help to place your hands or your loved one’s hands over the baseplate for a few moments to create a good bond between skin and baseplate.
• Empty the pouch regularly – a full pouch can pull on the baseplate and allow output to seep beneath it.

To support you as much as possible we have created a leaflet dedicated to carers, for friends and family caring for ostomates. It aims to help you to understand what happens during and after stoma surgery and give practical tips on how you can help your loved one. You can download it here.

If you have any concerns about stoma care routine always speak to your loved one’s stoma care nurse or our care team are available to help. 

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