Stoma care Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.
Answers to questions about stoma care
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What is the best way to dispose of a stoma pouch?
- How can I help my child cope with their stoma?
- What products can I put on the skin around the stoma to look after it?
What is the best way to dispose of a stoma pouch?
The best way to dispose of a stoma pouch is to rinse it after emptying and wrap it in a newspaper or plastic bag. The stoma pouch can then be put in either a clinical waste bin, or a normal dustbin.
Some local authorities provide a home collection service for clinical waste - check with your local council for more details.
Explanation
After your stoma is fitted, your stoma care nurse will help you choose, and then practice, a method of disposing your stoma pouch. If you have a closed pouch it is recommend you follow the steps below.
- Cover the floor in case of any spillages.
- Collect any soiled material (eg paper used to cover the floor) in a plastic bag or newspaper.
- Empty the stoma pouch into the toilet, rinse it using a jug of water or the toilet flush, and wrap in the plastic bag or newspaper.
- Seal the plastic bag or newspaper and put it in either a clinical waste bin or your dustbin.
You normally shouldn't put your pouch down the toilet. However, some pouches are designed so you can do this.
Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before and after disposing of your stoma pouch.
There are several different types of stoma pouch available. Talk to your stoma care nurse about which one will suit you best. The different types include:
- drainable pouches - which can be emptied between changing the pouch
- closed pouches - which you cannot empty between changing the pouch
- reusable pouches - which usually last up to three months
- disposable pouches - which can be disposed of in the toilet (these are not suitable for everyone, so speak to your stoma care nurse)
Many patients with stomas find that disposal of their stoma pouches is the most difficult part of their stoma care routine. If you find this difficult, then remember you are not alone, and your stoma nurse can give you help and support.
Further information
- The Colostomy Association
www.colostomyassociation.org.uk - The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group
www.the-ia.org.uk
Sources
- Breckman B. Stoma Care and Rehabilitation. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone, 2005:42-67, 177-183
- Stoma care guides - Colostomy management. Colostomy association. www.colostomyassociation.org.uk, accessed 11 November 2008
How can I help my child cope with their stoma?
It's important to keep a positive attitude towards your child's stoma. Your child will need a lot of support at first. As time goes by, it is worth encouraging him or her to take on more responsibility for looking after his or her stoma.
Explanation
The amount of practical support you need to give your child will vary depending on his or her age. Babies and young children will need full support, but when your child is older, he or she should be encouraged to take more responsibility for looking after the stoma.
The type of stoma pouch that's best for your child also depends on how old he or she is. One-piece flexible or mini-stoma pouches are best for babies and young children because of their size and shape. It is also useful to dress your child in an all-in-one to stop him or her fiddling with the stoma pouch.
As your child takes more responsibility for looking after his or her stoma, and when he or she starts school, the most suitable type of stoma pouch will change. Speak to your child's stoma care nurse for more information.
It's very important to encourage a positive attitude to the stoma from a young age. Cuddling not only helps you bond with your baby, but helps you begin to understand and accept the stoma. As your child gets older and his or her self-awareness grows, it's important to help him or her to fit stoma management with school and social life.
There are a number of support groups, books and activity camps specially designed for children with stomas. Your stoma nurse can give you more information on helping your child to care for his or her stoma.
Further information
- The Colostomy Association
www.colostomyassociation.org.uk - The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group
www.the-ia.org.uk - Breakaway
www.breakaway-visit.co.uk
Sources
- Breckman B. Stoma Care and Rehabilitation. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone, 2005:177-183
What products can I put on the skin around the stoma to look after it?
There are a number of different products you can use on the skin around your stoma to protect it, including wafers, barrier creams and gels.
Explanation
It's very important to protect the skin around your stoma and to repair any damage from the adhesives used to attach the stoma pouches.
To protect the skin, you will need to create a barrier between it and the adhesive used to attach your pouch. This also helps protect the skin if the stoma pouch leaks. If the skin is damaged, it's important to help the skin heal. There are various products available to do this, including a skin wafer (sometimes called a peristomal skin wafer).
Skin wafers are a protective layer, often made from fabric. Some skin wafers are the shape of a collar. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, and can sometimes be cut to fit your stoma. They can be used to both protect and heal the skin around the stoma, which can be very delicate. They can also be used on broken skin. Although they are expensive, they provide an effective barrier for the skin.
Protective powders are often made from similar ingredients to wafers and rings, and can also be used on broken skin. They are not as effective as a wafer or ring but are more flexible.
Barrier creams, such as Vasogen® or Sudocrem®, form a film over the skin to help protect it. However, they aren't recommended for broken skin as they don't help the skin heal. If you use a barrier cream, it should be massaged into the skin and any excess wiped away before attaching your stoma pouch.
Skin gels and lotions should only be used on unbroken skin, unless they are alcohol-free. Make sure you allow the gel or lotion to dry before fitting your stoma pouch.
Your stoma nurse can give you more information on protecting the skin around your stoma.
Further information
- The Colostomy Association
www.colostomyassociation.org.uk - The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group
www.the-ia.org.uk
Sources
- Breckman B. Stoma Care and Rehabilitation. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone, 2005:42-67, 177-183
- Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary. 56th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: April 2009
Stoma care factsheet
Visit the stoma care health factsheet for more information.
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