Colostomy Teaching 1713

Charting language
Instructed 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 still small. Do not allow the sore area to become larger or more irritated before asking your doctor about it, If your stoma becomes longer than usual (sticks out from the skin more), try a cold compress, like ice wrapped in a towel, to make it go in.

Reviewed November 2017

Reviewed for general reference only. Adapt to your patient, agency policy, and scope of practice.