Seasonal ostomy skin care is vital for anyone living with a stoma, as changes in temperature, humidity, and activity levels can impact peristomal skin health. However, proper ostomy care goes beyond routine pouch changes. To protect the skin around your stoma, you need to adjust your skin care routine and make strategic choices about products. Doing so can have several benefits, such as protection against leaks and less irritation, to name a few. By understanding how each season affects your skin and knowing the right strategies and products to use, you can keep your stoma and surrounding skin healthy and comfortable no matter the weather. Here, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to ostomy skin care based on each season.
Quick Overview: A Guide to Seasonal Ostomy Skin Care
Seasonal changes can significantly affect peristomal skin health, and adjusting your ostomy skin care routine accordingly can help prevent irritation, leaks, and discomfort. Here's a breakdown of key tips for maintaining healthy skin around your stoma throughout the year:
Winter Skin Care
- Dry Skin: Use moisturizers at night (away from adhesive areas) and consider a humidifier to combat dry indoor air.
- Adhesion Issues: Cold temperatures can make adhesives less flexible; keep supplies at room temperature, and consider thicker, extended wear barriers.
- Irritation: Avoid harsh products, limit over-washing, and wear soft, breathable fabrics to prevent skin friction from winter layers.
Spring Skin Care
- Allergies: Use hypoallergenic products and keep the peristomal area clean to avoid irritation from pollen.
- Temperature Changes: The fluctuating temperatures of spring may affect barrier adhesion. Monitor your pouch more frequently and opt for flexible adhesives.
- Sensitivity: If your skin becomes more reactive, try barrier wipes or sprays to reduce irritation.
Summer Skin Care
- Sweat & Moisture: Use antiperspirant around the stoma (not on the barrier), consider sweat-resistant adhesives, and change your pouch more frequently on active days.
- Heat-Related Irritation: Keep the peristomal area dry and clean. Use stoma powder for minor irritations, and check skin regularly.
- Swimming: Ensure your pouch is secure with waterproof barrier strips and bring a spare pouch for water activities.
Fall Skin Care
- Colder, Drier Air: Use alcohol-free skin prep wipes and moisturize at night to prevent dryness as the weather cools.
- Layered Clothing: Watch for friction from heavier clothing; choose soft fabrics and avoid tight waistbands that can rub against the pouch.
Year-Round Skin Care Best Practices
- Clean the peristomal skin gently with warm water and a soft cloth.
- Make sure the skin is dry before applying a new pouch.
- Regularly check the fit of your barrier to avoid irritation.
- Stay hydrated and eat well to support skin health.
- Consult your ostomy nurse if you experience persistent irritation or leaks.
Winter Ostomy Skin Care Tips
Winter is one of the most notable times for dry, irritated skin. While dry skin is most common on hands, faces, and lips, it can also affect the stoma. Not only is this uncomfortable in general, but it can also increase the risk of peristomal skin issues, which can make ostomy pouch adherence a bit more difficult. Even though the skin around the stoma is shielded from the cold winter weather, it's still important to take steps to maintain healthy peristomal skin. Here are a few tips to help you through the season.
Dry, Cracked Peristomal Skin
Low humidity and indoor heat can leave the skin around your stoma dry and sensitive. Keeping the area hydrated while being careful not to leave residue helps maintain a healthy barrier surface.
- Use skin-friendly lotion, but keep it away from the adhesive area. Lotions can impact your stoma bag's ability to adhere to the skin, thus increasing the risk of leaks or other issues.
- Use alcohol-free wipes and skin prep products to reduce irritation
Adhesion in Low Humidity
Getting your stoma bag to adhere to the peristomal skin securely can also be a challenge during the winter. Not only does dry skin decrease adherence, but the cold temperatures can make ostomy barriers or wafers less flexible and difficult to apply. Warming the skin barrier may help, along with keeping your supplies in a temperature-controlled area (instead of a cold bathroom or car). There are also thicker extended wear skin accessories that can be used with most appliances to increase security.
Indoor Heating & Skin Irritation
Although keeping your home nice and warm is cozy during the winter, forced-air heating can dry out both the environment and your peristomal skin. Staying hydrated and avoiding harsh products can help reduce winter irritation. Other tips include:
- Avoid over-washing the area, which can strip natural moisture.
- Use a humidifier at home to keep moisture in the air.
Minimize Clothing-Related Irritation
Winter layers can add friction or pressure around the ostomy site, but gentle adjustments in clothing choices go a long way toward preventing redness and discomfort.
- Choose soft, breathable fabrics around the waistline.
- Avoid tight belts or waistbands that rub against the pouch.
- Use ostomy bands or covers to reduce friction from heavier clothing.
Spring Ostomy Skin Care Tips
Spring is always welcomed, but with the warmer weather comes increased pollen and more moisture in the air, which can also have an impact on your peristomal skin. During this season, it's best to focus on sensitivity and making minor adjustments to your routine as the weather transitions from cold to warm.
Allergies & Sensitive Skin Flares
Seasonal allergies can make already sensitive peristomal skin feel more reactive, leading to redness or itching. To help:
- Use hypoallergenic skin prep products and barriers.
- Keep the peristomal area clean to reduce pollen transfer.
- Consider barrier wipes or sprays if your skin becomes more sensitive.
If you experience any signs of a severe reaction, such as changes in stoma size, signs of an infection, or a rash, it's best to see your doctor or ostomy care nurse.
Transitional Weather Changes
The transition from a cool morning to a warmer afternoon that is common during the spring can also affect barrier adhesion. While this isn't necessarily guaranteed, some ostomates may notice that temperature changes can affect wear time. Therefore, it's important to:
- Monitor the seal more frequently.
- Choose flexible adhesives designed for variable conditions.
- Keep an extra pouching system with you during outdoor activities.
Summer Ostomy Skin Care Tips
As temperatures continue to increase, your routine skin care may need a few adjustments. The ostomy supplies you choose during the summer should be those that have added security or were designed so you can stay comfortable regardless of moisture. Luckily, although you may think that sweat interferes with the adhesion, as long as you prioritize skin care and are strategic about your physical activity, you can enjoy the summer with an ostomy in confidence.
Managing Sweat and Moisture
Sweat can break down adhesives and increase the risk of itching or heat rash under the barrier, but there are plenty of moisture-wicking accessories available. You should also:
- Use antiperspirant around (not on) the barrier area to reduce sweat.
- Consider extended-wear or sweat-resistant adhesives.
- Change your pouch more frequently on hot or active days.
Preventing Heat-Related Skin Irritation
When heat and moisture get trapped under clothing or barriers, irritation can build quickly. Check your skin if you're in particularly hot or humid weather and make sure to keep the peristomal area clean and dry before applying a new pouch. You can also use stoma powder to help address minor irritation, but if issues persist, see your doctor.
Swimming & Water Exposure
Although ostomates can absolutely still enjoy water-based activities and spend time swimming, it's good to be strategic with your ostomy pouch. Make sure to use waterproof barrier strips or adhesive rings and double-check that the system is secure prior to getting in the water. For added peace of mind, you can also:
- Empty the pouch before swimming for added security.
- Keep a spare pouch handy for long beach or pool days.
Fall Ostomy Skin Care Tips
Fall tends to bring cooler air, lower humidity, and more time spent in layered clothing. This season is about preparing your skin for drier conditions and preventing friction from heavier clothing. Luckily, if you've already mastered winter ostomy skin care, you should be able to tackle the autumn months without any issues. Still, here are a few tips to help you along the way.
Preparing for Colder Weather
As the air starts to cool down again, your peristomal skin may also lose moisture. Using the right stoma products can help you avoid issues as you adapt to the cold. Other tips include:
- Use alcohol-free skin prep wipes to prevent dryness.
- Apply moisturizer at night, making sure to avoid the adhesive area.
- Watch for early signs of flaking or irritation as humidity drops.
You should also watch out for layered clothing, just as you did during the winter months. If you notice any signs of an issue, see your doctor or stoma care nurse before things worsen.
Year-Round Ostomy Skin Care Best Practices
While seasonal weather changes can affect your stoma and the surrounding skin, maintaining healthy peristomal skin ultimately comes down to consistent, year-round care. No matter the temperature or climate, a steady routine helps prevent irritation, reduces the risk of leaks, and keeps your pouching system secure. These best practices form the foundation of reliable ostomy care throughout every season.
- Clean the peristomal skin gently using warm water and a soft washcloth.
- Make sure the skin is completely dry before applying a new barrier or pouch.
- Use skin prep wipes or sprays if you are prone to irritation or sensitivity.
- Check the fit of your barrier regularly to ensure it matches your stoma’s current size and shape.
- Trim or cut barriers carefully to prevent exposed skin that could become irritated.
- Look for early signs of redness or breakdown and address them promptly with powders or barrier products.
- Empty the pouch when it’s one-third full to prevent tugging and pressure on the skin.
- Avoid using oily lotions or creams near the adhesive area to maintain a strong seal.
- Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition to support overall skin health.
- Consult an ostomy nurse if you notice persistent irritation, recurring leaks, or skin changes.
Choosing the Right Ostomy Products for All Seasons
Protecting your peristomal skin year-round starts with choosing the right ostomy products. Moisture-wicking belts, skin barriers, adhesive rings, and gentle prep wipes can help prevent leaks and irritation in any season. Warm months call for sweat-resistant solutions, while colder, drier weather may require thicker barriers and skin-friendly powders. If you're having a hard time finding products that work for you, your lifestyle, and whatever season you're in, talk to your doctor or stoma care nurse for recommendations. For reliable ostomy products and expert support, Byram Healthcare offers everything you need to keep your peristomal skin healthy and comfortable all year.
