Showering Tips for Keeping a Stoma Dry

My stoma is "Rosie" and we love our shower day, naked. No problem, have toilet paper ready when you get out and then put on the new pouch!  My hubby helps me with that.

Hi! There's no problem with the stoma getting wet in the shower. I don't soap it up but I do wash around it. I feel cleaner than when I leave the bag on. Just try not to eat before the shower to keep the output to a minimum. 

Mine tends to shut up when hit by water. But if it doesn't, there's always the old waffle-stomp. And, yeah, a good sluice of water from a bucket ensures nothing remains lurking in the drain.

Bilbo behaving badly this morning.

My stoma had been feeling a bit sore yesterday, so I thought a shower without Bilbo would be just the thing.

Oh boy, Bilbo went volcanic in the shower.

I have always found that first thing in the morning was the quieter time, but not today.

Bilbo will be staying muzzled next time.

Happy Stomaland daze.

Chris S

I just had my first naked shower and it felt so good! I was in a hotel that had a strong shower, so I decided to go for it. And my stoma behaved. Afterwards, I lay on the bed on a towel to dry naturally and have more naked time. My skin really appreciated the break from adhesives.

My apprehension about doing this at home is if poop comes out and gets stuck in the drain. Hopefully, I'll get over this.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Doggie bags for poop pickin’ …just a suggestion 🥴

I have never showered without the appliance on. Although if I do change it after a hot shower, I tend to have leaks, not sure why - saw one post where someone said hot water can wreak havoc. Actually, everything I liked, I hardly do anymore, like swimming, etc. And I do feel as I get older there are problems that I didn't deal with in the beginning.

I do clean the area around the stoma, just not like other people lathering up the area. I think I'd have more problems with the appliance and am surprised that other people aren't having issues.

Hi and welcome. You would be surprised we don't have issues because through trial and error we learn how to do it right.

Nothing should stop you from swimming with the right know-how.

You are new to the site and lessons will be learned, and in time you will become a teacher or mentor.

Hot showers? That's a no-no right from the start.

Being dry at the stoma site is a must for proper sealing and adhesion. Some use a hair dryer set on low. I prefer waving a piece of cardboard to fan dry it. Or...just allow it to air dry completely.

No worries. You will become an expert in no time. Experiment. Take a chance. Try noting some tricks we use.

You will be okay.

I take super hot steamy showers all the time, no issues. 🤷‍♂️

But you're Superman! Water bounces right off you. Steam doesn't affect you like us mere mortals. 😄

You’re only not doing things you like cause you’re letting your mind dictate things. Showering with no bag on is IMO one of the best things for your peristomal skin. Try some things, you’ll be surprised how well things go. 👍

You can lead a stoma to water, but you can't make it drink... oh wait, never mind... that's a horse. You can lead a stoma to water, and it helps get rid of the stink... 😝🥴

It is a shame you are letting your ostomy limit yourself so much.  I take hot showers every day, including on change day, and I agree with Alex that it's the best thing for your peristomal skin to shower without your appliance on.  I lather my stoma up well and rinse well.  If you are having leaks after having a hot shower, without your appliance on, my guess would be that after that hot shower, your bathroom is steamy and maybe you aren't getting the skin around your stoma dry enough in the moist atmosphere.  Do you have a good fan in your bathroom?  If not, maybe shower with the door open?  Make sure to get the skin around your stoma really dry.   You say you aren't swimming either?  Why?  There are various threads on this site about swimming, and there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to.  It's something I do all the time.

Terry