Can I take a shower/bath with an ostomy?

Yes, 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.