Taking Care of Your Skin with a Stoma, Ostomy 💛

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention… your skin.

Because when you’re living with a stoma, ostomy, your skin isn’t just skin anymore, it becomes part of your daily care, your comfort, and honestly… your confidence.

And when it’s sore, irritated, or breaking down… it can affect everything. Your mood, your sleep, even whether you want to leave the house.

I know this because I’ve been there.

So let’s make this simple, supportive and real.

FREE guide on what to have in your bathroom https://bit.ly/3yyyJiv

Gentle really does matter

When removing your bag, be kind to your skin. It’s not in a rush.

Using an adhesive remover spray or wipes can make such a difference, less pulling, less trauma, less soreness. You are not taking  some extra skin off which is so much better for you. I personally have found that the wipes are better to use as I have been caught out with a spray can being full but not coming out. Plus the wipes take up so little space and light to carry.

Warm water is often enough to clean the area. If you do use a cleanser, keep it simple, unfragranced, and kind to your skin.

Your skin doesn’t need a 10-step routine… it needs consistency.

Drying — more important than you think

Pat, don’t rub. Some use a hair drier to dry the skin as well

It sounds basic, but rubbing can create tiny damage that builds up over time.

A little tip? Let the skin air dry for a minute if you can. Your skin will thank you for it.

Protect — but don’t overload

Barrier sprays, powders, creams… they all have their place.

But here’s the truth, sometimes we use too much.

If your skin is healthy, you may not need anything extra. And if you’re using too many products, it can actually stop your flange sticking properly.

Less really can be more.

If your skin is sore or broken, that’s when powders and barrier films can step in and help create a protective layer.

Plus don’t forget that some flanges have healing properties in them and with the barrier creams this will stop the healing products getting to your skin. The flange that I use has manuka honey in it and my skin has never been so soft and health. So why not have a look at one of these as part of your health skin care.

Fit is everything

If your bag doesn’t fit properly, your skin will tell you.

Leaks, itching, burning… these are not things you just “put up with.”

Getting the right fit around your stoma, ostomy is one of the biggest game changers.

Measure regularly your stoma, ostomy can change size over time.

And don’t be afraid to try different systems. What worked before might not be right now.

I have found that even after many years my stoma, ostomy dose change size and shape but the base of my stoma, ostomy doesn’t change so I have been caught out as i cut my flagne bigger which lead to my skin having the output all over it. What I have found that I need to fiddle a bit to get the flange over my larger stoma, ostomy.

Timing your changes

Leaving your pouch on too long can irritate your skin… but changing it too often can as well.

It’s about finding your balance.

For many, every 2–4 days works well, but your body will guide you.

If your skin feels sore when removing the flange, it might be time to adjust your routine.

Keep an eye on your skin (it speaks!)

Your skin will always give you clues.

Redness
Itching
Weeping skin
Burning sensations

These are not things to ignore.

The earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to manage.

Here is guide on food with your stoma, ostomy https://bit.ly/3RBSE76

Food, hydration & your skin

This one often gets overlooked.

What you eat and drink affects your output and your output affects your skin.

Staying hydrated helps your skin heal and stay resilient.

And certain foods may make your output more liquid or more irritating, which can impact the skin around your stoma, ostomy.

It’s not about restriction  it’s about awareness.

A few extra tips you might not have heard before

• Warm your flange slightly before applying it helps it stick better
• Hold your hand over the flange for a minute after applying  body heat improves the seal
• Avoid baby wipes (even the “gentle” ones)  many contain oils that affect adhesion
• If your skin is uneven, consider barrier rings or seals for a better fit
• Night-time leaks? Look at your positioning and support wear
•  

And finally… ask for help

You are not meant to figure this all out alone.

An ostomy, stoma nurse can see things you might miss and suggest small changes that make a big difference.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling.

Living with a stoma, ostomy is already a big adjustment.

Your skin care shouldn’t feel like another battle, it should feel manageable, supportive, and something you feel in control of.

And when your skin feels good… you feel better.

Simple as that 💛

If this helped you, come and join Stoma, Ostomy – What a Bag where we talk openly, honestly, and with a bit of humour about real life with a stoma, ostomy. https://www.facebook.com/groups/stomaostomywhatabag

Hosted by someone who’s lived it, not someone who read it in a textbook.

Hi I am Helinka Carr and have lived with an ileostomy following bowel cancer.

So I’ve been where you are.
I know the panic, the grief, the shock, the tears, the fear of living with this bag stuck to the tummy…

And I rebuilt myself, one tiny step at a time.

Now I help people do the same with compassion, humour, and real-life tools that work.

My Story Short & Real 💪

I’m Helinka Carr. In 2013, bowel cancer and surgery and treatment left me with an ileostomy. Life with a stoma, ostomy didn’t just change my body, it rocked my confidence, mindset, and sense of who I was.

I didn’t want to just “get by.” I wanted to feel good in my body again. When I couldn’t find anything that helped me feel confident or feminine, I made it myself.

I support people emotionally and mentally as a clinical hypnotherapist and therapist, helping calm anxiety, rebuild confidence, and feel safe in their bodies again. Plus I have designed specialised stoma, ostomy lingerie that covers the bag with elegance, beautiful and pretty.I found that I couldn’t find such lingerie when I first had my bag.

You are not alone. And life can  be and will still feel good 💖