You can safely take a bath with a stoma. A stoma is a surgically created opening, typically on the abdomen, formed from a portion of the intestine or urinary tract lining. This tissue is a moist, pink or reddish mucous membrane, similar to the inside of your mouth. Bathing and showering are safe practices encouraged for routine hygiene and maintaining quality of life after ostomy surgery.
Medical Safety: Why Water Won’t Harm Your Stoma
The stoma is composed of healthy tissue that does not absorb water; it cannot “suck in” bathwater or become infected. Water and mild soap do not flow into the internal body through the stoma opening, which remains a passageway for waste output. Internal pressure within the abdomen prevents water from entering the stoma against the natural flow of the body’s contents.
The stoma tissue itself has no sensory nerve endings, so contact with water is not painful. This absence of sensation allows for worry-free cleaning and exposure to water during bathing. The tissue is highly vascularized, appearing deep pink or red, and it may bleed slightly if rubbed vigorously. The stoma is a matured, healthy piece of tissue, not an open wound.
Pouch Management: On or Off During Bathing?
Deciding whether to keep the pouching system on or take it off during a bath is a personal choice, and both options are medically acceptable. The primary factor in this decision often relates to the predictability of the stoma’s output. If the stoma is less active, such as before eating, some individuals prefer to remove the appliance entirely for a thorough cleaning.
Bathing with the pouch off allows the peristomal skin (the area surrounding the stoma) to be cleaned completely and exposed to air. This exposure can be beneficial for skin health, but it requires careful timing to minimize the chance of unexpected output entering the bathwater. If the stoma is an ileostomy or urostomy, which typically have more continuous output, bathing without the pouch may be more challenging due to drainage management.
Conversely, keeping the pouch on protects the skin barrier from prolonged soaking and ensures convenience. Modern ostomy appliances are water-resistant, and the adhesive will not dissolve or fall off when submerged. If the pouch has a filter, cover it with a special filter sticker, often supplied by the manufacturer, to prevent the charcoal from becoming waterlogged and ineffective. While the adhesive will soften slightly when wet, it often re-adheres securely once dried.
Bathing Techniques and Post-Water Skin Care
When taking a bath, the water should be comfortably warm, avoiding excessive heat. Prolonged exposure to very hot water can weaken the adhesive barrier and reduce its wear time. Use mild, residue-free, and oil-free soaps or cleansing products. Avoid soaps containing moisturizers, oils, or heavy perfumes. These products can leave a film on the skin that interferes with the new adhesive barrier’s ability to stick securely.
After exiting the bath, the post-water routine is important to maintain skin integrity and appliance adherence. The peristomal skin must be completely dry before a new pouching system is applied. Gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel, taking care not to rub the area, which could cause irritation or bleeding of the stoma tissue.
Any remaining moisture, especially near the skin barrier, can compromise the adhesive seal and lead to skin irritation from leakage. A hairdryer set to the cool or low setting can be used to ensure the skin is thoroughly dry, particularly if there are skin folds or uneven areas. Before affixing a new appliance, visually inspect the peristomal skin; it should appear intact and without redness or breakdown.
Beyond the Tub: Showers, Swimming, and Hot Tubs
Water activities beyond the tub are safe and encouraged for individuals with a stoma. Showering is often considered easier than bathing, as there is less prolonged submersion of the adhesive barrier. The same principles of using mild, oil-free soaps and ensuring the filter is covered apply when showering. The choice to keep the pouch on or off remains a matter of personal preference.
Swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean is safe with an ostomy, provided the pouching system has a secure seal. The water itself does not pose a risk to the stoma, and specialized waterproof accessories or barrier extenders can be used for extra confidence. Testing the security of the seal in a bath or shower first is a good way to build confidence before swimming. Hot tubs and saunas are safe, but the high heat and steam can cause the adhesive to soften and may shorten the overall wear time of the appliance.