6. Personal Hygiene

Patient is able to discuss personal hygiene.

A person with an ostomy can shower or bathe with or without the pouching system in place. Many people find it quite convenient to plan the “weekly” change around the shower. Water, soap or shampoo cannot harm the stoma as long as the skin is well rinsed and dried before the system is re-applied.

Hot tubs or sitting in bathtubs are not harmful but it is unlikely that the flange would maintain its seal for 5 days. Waterproofing the edges with waterproof tape may help to increase wear time. A wet flange can be dried with a towel or blown dry with a hair blower set on a cool setting.

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