Colostomy Teaching 1635
Empty your pouch when one-third to one-half full. Change your skin barrier every 3-7 days. You should not experience frequent leakage of your pouch seal. If you do, consult a WOC Nurse. Usually soap is not needed to clean the peristomal skin. If you use soap, make sure it does not contain any oils or lotions that can interfere with adhesives. Always rinse your skin and dry completely before you adhere the new pouch. After you apply your skin barrier, hold it in place against your skin for about one minute. This will help to activate the adhesive. You can shower, bathe, or swim with your ostomy after you are cleared by your physician. If you are using a bedside collection bag, clean it daily with a recommended solution to help minimize odor, crystal formation, and bacteria.
Reviewed November 2017
Reviewed for general reference only. Adapt to your patient, agency policy, and scope of practice.
Related teachings
Colostomy Teaching 1713Instructed patient call your doctor if it is does not get better when you treat it.If your stoma is leaking, your skin will get sore, be sure to treat any skin redness or skin changes right away, when the problem is stil...Colostomy Teaching 1315SN instructed patient that too much of any food can cause problems; eat moderate amounts and slowly to allow proper chewing and digestion. If a new food seems to give problems, don’t eat it for a few weeks, but try it a...Colostomy Teaching 2366Instructed patient caregiver avoid dehydration, you should try to drink 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of fluid a day. If you have diarrhea, you may need more. Drinks such as Gatorade®, PowerAde, or Pedialyte contain potass...Colostomy Teaching 1871Instructed patient to check your skin and the back of your skin barrier each time you change your pouching system. You can use a mirror to check your skin under the stoma. Look for any places where stool or urine may hav...