Can I take a shower/bath with an ostomy?
Jul 12, 2021Yes, absolutely. You can shower with your pouch on or off:
- Before you get in the shower, check your pouch seal and make sure it is secure.
- Don’t use any heavily scented bath soaps or bath bombs, or anything with glitter.
- Use all-natural products (make sure they are oil free and easy to rinse off).
- Make sure to keep shampoo and conditioner away from your stoma.
- Don’t wash your stoma with soap - Just use water.
- If taking a bath, don’t use bath salts.
- Choose a time when there is less stoma activity.
- If showering without your pouch, remove the skin barrier too.
- If your wafer peels on the edges when wet, dry the wafer with a hairdryer while pressing down on the edges.
- Put your hairdryer on a low heat setting and dry your bag after you get out of the shower or bath.
- Many people like to shower when they're due for a pouch change and let their stoma be “free”. Avoid having a hard stream of water hit your stoma directly – a removable showerhead can be helpful.