Best Unscented Paper Towels for Stoma Care?

Replies
19
Views
277
Bobby000
Jan 01, 2025 4:06 pm

I am looking for nice strong paper towels unscented for the purpose of cleaning around my stoma.
Any advice would be appreciated.

xnine
Jan 01, 2025 4:13 pm

TP is good enough for regular wiping and cleanup.

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infinitycastle52777
Jan 01, 2025 4:31 pm

Paper towels can be harsh and cause your stoma to bleed. I have found that wipes or toilet paper work best. I use unscented baby wipes and water wipes sometimes to clean around my stoma, and it works really well. You can buy wipes in bulk on Amazon for a relatively cheap price. I get Huggies wipes, and they last me for months. A box has several bags in it and is about 17 bucks.

SusanT
Jan 01, 2025 5:18 pm

I use baby wipes too. They were recommended to me by my stoma nurse. Get the ones that don't contain oil. 

I like them so well I carry a few with my emergency supplies. 

AlexT
Jan 01, 2025 5:50 pm

They actually make wipes for stomas that only have water as the moisture. I’ve never used anything but soap/water with a loofah sponge thingy in the shower for the last 3+ years but I’d think any paper towel is plenty strong enough compared to using toilet paper. 

 

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Rancher
Jan 01, 2025 6:57 pm

I have been using Scotts blue paper towels. I cut them in quarters. It's what the stoma nurse suggested.

CrappyColon
Jan 01, 2025 7:00 pm

Hi Bobby,

Not sure what is available in Scotland… There is a brand in the US called Viva; it works well for infants with sensitive skin.

Craftynlovely
Jan 01, 2025 7:25 pm

I use paper towels cut in half to cover my stoma after cleaning. I am working on using flannel instead of paper towels. I was told to never use any wet wipes, but to use a damp washcloth and Johnson and Johnson baby soap to clean around the stoma.

HenryM
Jan 01, 2025 7:36 pm

I use paper towels, but not for cleaning around stoma.  I throw a towel over my lap, below the stoma, fold the end of two paper towels over the towel to catch the water that drips down from the big cotton balls that I clean my skin with as well as any discharge that occurs while the stoma is exposed.  

Ben38
Jan 01, 2025 7:46 pm

I see you're from the UK. I recommend box tissues from Aldi; they're good quality. They don't break down too quickly when wet. You have plenty of time to clean your skin and stoma with them, and they're very cheap to buy. You get quite a few bag changes from one box of tissues. You can use any soap or shower gels; just rinse the skin.

NancyCat
Jan 01, 2025 9:49 pm

I swear by viva paper towels! The ones with the cloth feel 

Morning glory
Jan 01, 2025 11:39 pm

I like the viva ones too.

oldtimer
Jan 02, 2025 1:22 am

I have used the cheapest ones from Walmart. I think they are like 60 cents.  Started out with Bounty and then went to those without any untoward results.

 

Beth22
Jan 03, 2025 12:16 am
Reply to infinitycastle52777

Oh InfinityCastle, if you go to Walmart, you can buy the Parent's Choice baby wipes, 600 count for $12 or 900 for $17. I go through baby wipes a lot; I use them to clean the bottom of my bag after emptying. So far, it's been the cheapest I have found. Just in case you were looking for a cheaper way to buy in bulk.

aTraveler
Jan 03, 2025 9:35 am
Reply to Beth22

Didn't know about these. Ordered for pickup tomorrow. I had been paying $30.00 for 800 Fit Right wipes.

IGGIE
Jan 03, 2025 11:29 am

G-Day Bobby,

I use a paper towel called Chux; it comes in a roll, and I cut it into small pieces. It is unscented and very strong. I get thousands out of a roll. I use them with hot water to wipe around my stoma and also the area where my wafer will go. I then dry it with more of the pieces, as well as using a small fan to completely dry the area. Once dry, I spray a barrier spray, then place my seal followed by the wafer and finally the bag. Job done.

Regards, IGGIE

Beth22
Jan 03, 2025 3:00 pm
Reply to aTraveler

😮 Really ouch... I know they can get so expensive, which is crazy. I am glad you know now and now you can get them cheaper. Yeah... I would have said something sooner had I known more people used baby wipes.

infinitycastle52777
Jan 03, 2025 9:09 pm
Reply to Beth22

That is mainly what I used them for too but I also use them to clean off my stoma when making a bag change. Thanks for the tip on where to buy cheap ones. I think the ones I get have about 704 or so in the box. You can get a box of 960 for 24 something but I don't get those ones. I will look into the walmart ones. 

Fishsticks73
Jan 09, 2025 2:30 am
Reply to Rancher

That’s what I use too. Scott Blue Shop Towels. They come in regular and heavy duty. I use the heavy duty ones. Recommended by my NSWOC Nurse. They work great, as they can get wet and not tear. 

Rancher
Jan 09, 2025 3:31 am
Reply to Fishsticks73

Hey Fishsticks. Probably the same NSWOC nurse/team. Foothills Hospital? Probably/maybe just missed you. I had my surgery on June 24th.

Cheers