Basic Ostomy Skin Care

People who have a stoma often share many of the same questions and concerns.
This best practice document provides answers to some of the common questions that people ask about the day to day care of the stoma and the surrounding skin. The answers are directed to the person who has a stoma but may also be helpful for the nurse as a teaching tool.

People with a stoma often worry that their skin may become irritated from the stool, urine, or pouching system. It is important  to treat the skin gently, protect it from stool, urine, and chemicals, and use products correctly to decrease the chance for skin problems