Managing Humidity and Extending Ostomy Pouch Wear Times

For people living with an ostomy, humid climates and certain situations may cause concern in pouch wear time. The me+ support team has put together some useful tips just for you to help optimize your pouch wear time.

Feel more confident in humid weather with these tips:

• Review your peristomal cleaning routine. Using baby wipes or cleaners that include moisturizers may affect your pouch seal in hot, humid weather. Clean your peristomal skin with warm water and a simple bar of soap. To learn more about bathing or showering with an ostomy, follow this link.
• Try a barrier wipe or spray before applying your pouch. ESENTA™ Sting-free Skin Barrier Wipes create a barrier film that protects the skin from the damaging effects of adhesives, body waste and enzyme attack. Using the barrier wipes in combination with  Stomahesive® Protective Powder may help extend overall pouch wear time.
• If you are in a humid climate or tend to perspire more, try a pouch with a Stomahesive® adhesive and an acrylic tape collar: Natura® skin barriers provide a unique formula that enables the skin barrier to adhere to both dry and moist skin.
• Using an eakin Cohesive® seal with your pouching system may help absorb additional moisture. These seals will help prevent leaks and skin irritation by forming an absorptive barrier around your stoma.
• More frequent pouch changes may be required. You may find in humid climates and situations that you need to change your pouch more often.