No content results match your keyword.
Content
You have successfully logged out.
Not registered yet?
Showering with a stoma
Having a stoma doesn’t mean that you have to give up the comfort and routine of your daily shower. That moment of calm when warm water washes over you and you feel refreshed can still be yours. Whether you choose to shower with or without your stoma bag, both options are safe and manageable. Follow these simple tips & tricks to make your showering experience more relaxed.
Your particular stoma type will certainly influence your decision whether you prefer to shower with or without a bag.
Many people alternate between the two options. On the days they change their bag, they shower without it and otherwise with the bag. It is important to figure out what works best for you and develop your own routine.
If you have had stoma surgery recently, you should talk to your stoma care nurse first, especially if you have wounds that have not yet completely healed.
Empty the bag before showering
This helps prevent leaks or discomfort during your shower.
Modern stoma bags can be used in water
As long as the filter cover is placed over the filter and the bag is securely attached to the skin, without folds or leaks.
Ensure proper adhesion
Make sure the wafer has been on your skin long enough to stick well. Avoid changing it right before showering.
Check the seal
Before and after your shower, ensure the wafer or skin protector is sealed properly.
Roll and clip (optional)
If you use a drainable bag, you can roll it up and clip it off for added comfort.
Choose your drying method
There is often no need to change the appliance after showering, especially if it is obviously tight. Just dry it gently. There are several ways to dry the appliance: You can dry it with a hair dryer, but avoid hot temperatures by choosing the cool setting. Or you can dry yourself off, wrap a dry terrycloth flannel around your bag, and put on your clothes. After a short time, the bag will be dry, and you can remove the damp flannel.
Many people prefer to shower without a bag and report that it feels liberating, enjoying the sensation of water running over the stoma. At the same time, it’s a good opportunity for the skin to breathe. If your stoma becomes active, you’re in the perfect place to wash everything off. Whatever you do, take your time with the decision. Some people take six months before tryingthe option of showering without a bag. If you decide to try it, you might like it and keep the habit: it’s a personal choice.
Don’t worry about water entering the stoma
Never worry about water entering your body, as this is unlikely to happen. Even if did happen, it will come out all by itself and the water will not hurt you.
Avoid using shower lotions near the stoma
This may have the effect that the skin protector or wafer will not stick probably afterwards. You can use a mild soap instead.
The right timing can be the key
After some time, you will begin to know how long it takes until your stoma begins to empty after you have eaten. It can be helpful to eat nothing and drink as little as possible at night and then shower without a bag in the morning. This way, your stoma is likely to remain calm during your showering.
Prepare your essentials
Have a towel and a new bag ready, place them on the sink or a nearby shelf for easy access.
Dry before reapplying
Blow dry the stoma area gently before applying a new wafer to ensure proper adhesion.
Practical advice
Before bathing, showering or swimming, it is important to cover the filter of your colostomy or drainable ostomy bag with the protection sticker to maintain the filter’s performance. These stickers are provided in the packaging of your stoma bags. Using them is quite simple but varies slightly depending on which bag you are using. Remember to remove the filter protection sticker after bathing, showering or swimming.
This handling applies to Flexima® colostomy (flat Mini/Midi), Flexima® Roll'up (flat and convex), Flexima® Active (Colostomy/ Roll'up), Flexima® 3S (colostomy/ Roll'up/ High Flow), Flexima® Key (colostomy/ Roll'up), Proxima®+ drainable and Proxima® 2+ drainable bags.
This handling applies to all our stoma bags with inspection window.
This applies to our Flexima® colostomy flat (Maxi) and convex bags, Flexima® High Flow, Flexima® Key Maxi drainable, Proxima® colostomy, Proxima® + colostomy and Proxima® 2 colostomy bags.
With the right steps and a little confidence, showering with a stoma can become a comforting experience of self-care and empowerment.
Yes, many people do. It’s safe and can feel refreshing. Just be prepared in case your stoma becomes active.
It’s very unlikely. If it does, it will come out naturally and won’t cause any harm.
Use only mild, fragrance-free soap. Avoid lotions or oily products that may affect adhesion as well as products that might affect the skin around the stoma.
Not necessarily. If the appliance is still sealed and secure, just dry it gently and continue using it.
Morning, on an empty stomach, is often the best time to reduce the chance of stoma activity.
Your feedback matters! Participate in our customer survey to help us enhance our website, products and services. Thank you for your support!
