Skin Care for a Stoma or iPouch

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Illustration of a shield placed over skin layers, representing skin protection or dermatology.
Illustration of two women with short brown hair smiling, wearing matching red hoodies with a logo that says 'TWINS Pouch & Stoma Patients', standing in front of a green-tiled wall with climbing plants.
Illustration of skin damage with a cracked shield symbolizing protection; showing damaged skin with hair, a crack, and layers underneath.
Infographic titled 'Why Skin Care Matters' with five sections explaining the importance of skin care, each with red arrows pointing downward. Sections cover skin as a barrier, healthy skin, emotional wellbeing, skin performance, and minimizing complications.

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Hints and Tips for Healthy Skin

Try the tips below if your output needs help getting thicker…

Use of Dietary Adjustments:

  • Low-Fibre Choices: Reduce intake of insoluble fibre (e.g. raw veggies, whole grains) that speeds up transit time.

  • Binding Foods: Incorporate foods known for thickening output like bananas, white rice, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and creamy peanut butter.

  • Avoid Trigger Foods: Watch out for foods that may increase looseness, such as coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners.

  • Stay Hydrated, Gently: Sip fluids consistently, but avoid large amounts at once. Drink fluids like oral rehydration drinks.

Use of Medication and Additives*:

  • Medications Used to Slow Gut Transit Down: These are used to slow intestinal transit and thicken output; start with small doses under medical guidance.

  • Thickening sachets: Adding a thickener to your stoma bag can help prevent accidents.

    • Avoid Constipation & Pancaking in people with a colostomy: increase fibre, take laxatives and stool softeners as directed, stay hydrated, and add lubricating drops.

      *Do not take medications without consulting a healthcare professional first.

Keeping your skin clean…

Use Moist & Soft Wet Wipes:

  • Ideal for cleaning the skin without irritation.

  • Avoid wipes with alcohol or fragrance to reduce skin reactions.

  • Perfect for on-the-go moments when quick clean-ups are needed.

Use Soft, Dry Wipes or Kitchen Paper:

  • After cleaning, gently pat dry using soft materials to prevent damage or friction.

  • Kitchen paper can be a good option for those with a stoma, if it's lint-free and smooth to the touch.

Use Soft Toilet Paper:

  • Look for hypoallergenic or ultra-soft varieties to protect tender skin.

  • Avoid rough, recycled textures that may cause micro-tears or discomfort.

Use a Shower Head, Japanese Toilets, Bidet or Portable Bidet:

  • Provides gentle water pressure for thorough cleansing without scrubbing.

  • Use lukewarm water for comfort and skin health.

  • The portable options are great for on-the-go moments.

Use a No-Rinse Skin Cleanser (Foam/Spray/Gel):

  • Designed for gentle cleansing without water, perfect for on-the-go moments or convenience.

  • Helps preserve natural moisture levels and maintain skin integrity.

  • Spray or pump lightly, then wipe clean with soft tissue or cloth.

Keeping your skin protected and healthy…

Use Barrier Wipes or Spray:

  • Use after each bowel motion with your ipouch or before applying your stoma appliance to create a gentle shield to the skin.

  • Choose alcohol-free options to minimise stinging or dryness, especially on sensitive or broken skin.

  • If unable to use a spray, switch to wipes, or spray a small amount on a tissue and apply to the skin.

Use Barrier Cream (Skin and Anal Canal):

  • Apply small (pea grain size) to dry and clean skin to soothe and guard against moisture-associated skin damage.

  • In those with an ipouch, apply a small amount inside the anal canal.

  • In those with a stoma, avoid applying directly under adhesives, as it can reduce sticking power.

Use Stoma Rings:

  • Great for creating extra protection around the stoma, reducing leakage and protecting the surrounding skin.

  • Mould gently to fit snugly around your stoma.

Restoring your skin to health… DO NOT IGNORE LEAKAGE AND SEEPAGE – SEEK HELP!

Protection = Healing:

  • Use the skin protection hints & tips to aid healing

Switch It Up:

  • Sometimes skin irritation may be due to a poor fit or material sensitivity.

  • Try different products with help from your stoma or ipouch nurse.

Stoma Powder:

  • Use on moist or weepy skin to absorb excess moisture and promote healing.

  • Dust a light layer and dab with a barrier wipe to seal before applying your appliance.

Professional Support:

  • Consult your Stoma Nurse or iPouch Nurse

  • They can assess the skin condition and recommend personalised tools and techniques.

  • Don’t wait, early advice can prevent things from worsening and speed up healing.

Supplements and snacks including a bottle of pills, a blister pack of tablets, a banana, a glass of water, a bowl of yogurt, a bowl of cottage cheese, and a spoon with yogurt
Collection of bathroom hygiene items including soap dispenser, water bottle, folded towels, bidet toilet, tissue box with tissue, toilet paper roll, hand with paper towel, handheld bidet sprayer, and additional toilet paper rolls.
Animated characters representing skincare products, with one labeled 'Barrier Cream' wearing a blue cap with white cream on top, and the other labeled 'Protective Barrier Wipe' holding a cloth.
Cartoon characters: a yellow bottle with eyes, eyebrows, and a smiling face labeled 'Protective Barrier Spray' and a yellow stoma bag with eyes, a smiling face, and a ring in hand, both outlined in red.
Animated characters resembling a stoma bag and a stoma powder bottle, both with smiling faces, set against a red background.
Cartoon characters of a happy ostomy bag and a happy bottle of sunscreen at the beach with a blue sky, sand, and an umbrella.

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Guide to summer skin care for twins and other children, including tips for sunscreen protection, keeping appliances and devices cool, and using extra supplies. Features cartoon characters of twins with various skincare items like sunscreen, cooling products, and extra supplies.

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Two animated characters resembling skin care bottles with smiling faces, one wearing a red knit hat and the other with a blue scarf, standing on snow in a winter setting.

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Guide to winter-time skin care featuring cartoon characters of skincare products with faces, gloves, and scarves, emphasizing skin moisturizers, cooling appliances, extra supplies, and using extra supplies.
An illustration showing skin damage with a cracked shield symbol above it, representing skin complications. The shield is broken, indicating a compromised skin protective barrier. Text explains skin complications can happen when the skin’s protective
Infographic about output-related skin damage, showing a diagram of skin with hair follicles, and steps for prevention and care, including tips for maintaining skin health and seeking medical help.
Informational graphic about mechanical skin damage with illustration of skin tearing and advice for preventing and treating skin injuries for iPouch and Stoma patients.
Diagram explaining allergic contact dermatitis with steps: allergy reaction, prevention tips, care tips, and seeking medical help; includes illustrations of skin reaction, two children, and skin protection.
Infographic about folliculitis, showing a skin cross-section with infected hair follicle, and tips for prevention, care, and seeking medical help.
Diagram explaining anal fissures, showing a cross-section of skin with a tear and an illustration of two children with a healthcare shield, along with text providing information on causes, prevention, care, and medical advice.