Stoma care advice to manage your peristomal skin this winter

Winter’s cold air, indoor heating, reduced humidity, and the biting wind can all contribute to stripping moisture from the skin – a familiar problem for anyone experiencing dry hands, dry faces, and chapped lips. Despite your stoma and peristomal skin being shielded from direct exposure to the harsh weather conditions, you may still notice heightened dryness or skin irritation. Dry skin around the stoma can lead to flaking and irritation, potentially posing challenges in comfort and adhesion. Here are some practical tips to consider:

Protective Wipes or Sprays

After washing and drying the peristomal skin, consider using protective wipes or sprays, like GUARD Barrier Film before applying your stoma pouch, to help protect the skin and reduce any irritation. Our barrier film aims to provide a complete skin protection while enhancing bag-to-skin adhesion so you feel more comfortable.

Explore stoma bag options

With a multitude of flange options available on varying stoma bags, consider a bag that fits securely to minimise the instance of leaks, and a bag with skin friendly adhesive that keeps peristomal skin healthy. Be sure to always consult your stoma care nurse beforehand.

Moisturisers

When dealing with drier skin, the instinct is often to apply more moisturiser all over. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that regular moisturisers can compromise the adhesive quality of a stoma bag, since the adhesive may break down upon contact with the moisturiser, impacting its ability to adhere to the skin. To prevent this issue, refrain from applying moisturiser around your peristomal skin and stick to specialised stoma products, unless otherwise advised by medical professionals. CLEANSE Cleansing Gel may be an appropriate option to help clean & moisturise the skin without impacting the stoma bag adhesive.

As winter draws in, it brings with it some potential challenges for ostomates, with the dry and harsh conditions. By adapting these suggestions to your stoma care needs, you can navigate the winter challenges and ensure optimal care for your stoma and peristomal skin during the colder months.