Best Way To Shower With A Colostomy Bag

2025-11-10
Author: Zodelo Ostomy

Shower with a colostomy bag is an essential step after stoma surgery. Shower with a colostomy bag correctly can not only effectively maintain the hygiene and health of the skin around the stoma and oneself, but also is the key to preventing leakage, allergies and dermatitis. Therefore, it is crucial to know the best way to shower with a colostomy bag.

As a leading ostomy manufacturer supplier in China, Zodelo is always committed to providing high-quality colostomy bags for all stoma patients. Help more and more stoma patients regain their confidence and return to a healthy and comfortable life. At the same time, Zodelo also provides the latest knowledge on ostomy care. This article will give you a detailed introduction to the best way to shower with a colostomy bag.

About your colostomy

1. What is colostomy?

To better understand the best way to shower with a colostomy bag , you first need to understand what is colostomy. Colostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating a stoma on the patient’s abdominal wall. When there is inflammation, cancer or trauma in the patient’s intestines or anus. When the patient is unable to excrete normally, the doctor will connect a part of the patient’s own colon to the abdominal wall and create a stoma in the abdomen. Feces can be discharged through the stoma into the colostomy bag. This can allow the damaged intestines to have sufficient rest and healing, while avoiding contamination by excrement. Colostomy can help replace the original excretory function, assist patients in maintaining normal metabolism and keeping a normal life.

2. Who needs colostomy surgery?

Colorectal cancer:Colorectal cancer can cause intestinal stenosis or even complete obstruction, requiring the removal of the rectal lesion to establish a permanent stoma.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) : such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc., these diseases can cause repeated inflammation, ulcers and even gastrointestinal perforation.
Intestinal obstruction:If acute intestinal obstruction caused by inflammation or tumor temporarily makes the patient’s intestine unusable, a temporary colostomy is required, and a temporary colostomy bag should be used to prevent intestinal perforation.
Intestinal damage caused by trauma:such as car accidents, knife wounds, gunshot wounds, etc., prevent the injured area from being further contaminated and deteriorated. Colostomy is needed to bypass the damaged area to allow it to rest and heal.
Congenital malformations: such as congenital megacolon, congenital anal atresia, and the inability of newborns to excrete feces normally. colostomy surgery intervention is needed to help restore excretory function.

About you colostomy bag system

1. What is colostomy bag?

To better understand the best way to shower with a colostomy bag , you also need to understand what is colostomy bag. The stoma bag is a medical device specially designed for patients who have undergone stoma surgery, used to collect the excrement discharged from the stoma. After undergoing colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy surgeries, patients are unable to excrete through the intestines or anus. The stoma temporarily or permanently takes over this function, helping patients return to a normal life.

2. Types of colostomy bag

One piece colostomy bag: The skin barrier and the one piece colostomy bag body cannot be separated. When replacing, the entire bag can be replaced, making it thinner, lighter and more comfortable. The operation is simple and quick, suitable for beginners or those who pursue simple operation.
Two piece colostomy bag: The skin barrier and the two piece colostomy bag body are separated. The skin barrier can be adhered to the skin for multiple uses, and only the bag body needs to be replaced. There is no need to frequently change the chassis, which may irritate the skin. It is suitable for patients with frequent excretion or sensitive skin.
Drainable colostomy bag: The bottom of the colostomy bag has an open excretion port for discharging the excrement inside the bag. It can be washed and reused multiple times, which is more economical and practical. Suitable for patients with loose stools or large amounts of excretion
Closed colostomy bag:No discharge opening, for single use only, and discarded as a whole after use. It is more hygienic and easy to replace, suitable for people with solid feces or regular excretion patterns.

3. Why do people need colostomy bags

First of all, thecolostomy bag can help patients collect feces and excrete gas, which is more convenient and less troublesome, and avoids leakage and odor.
Second, it can help patients maintain personal hygiene and tidiness for a long time.
Thirdly,colostomy bag enables patients to work, socialize, travel or exercise normally, helping them live more confidently and easily.
Fourth, colostomy bagcan protect the skin from long-term contamination by excrement, which may cause irritation and redness.

In the shower with a colostomy bag

1. Preparations before shower with a colostomy bag:

Check the sealing performance of the colostomy bag: Confirm that the chassis is completely in contact with the skin, with no risk of lifting edges or leakage. If there are problems such as loose adhesion, loose edges or lifting, a new colostomy bag needs to be replaced in time.
Empty the colostomy bag:Empty or replace the colostomy bag in time before taking a shower. Avoid loosening and leakage caused by the excessive weight of the colostomy bag.
Using ostomy accessories products:When changing the colostomy bag, you can use sealing rings or sealants to enhance the adhesion and sealing performance to the skin and prevent leakage.
Protective carbon filter: Due to the fact that the activated carbon filter of some bag bodies may experience a decline in function after getting wet. Before taking a shower, seal the filter holes with the matching filter membrane or adhesive patch to prevent failure.

2.Tips for shower with a colostomy bag:

Gently dry the bag body: After the colostomy bag gets wet, simply press it dry with a towel. Avoid wiping it too hard to prevent damage to the stoma.
Check the sealing of the skinbarrier:After taking a shower, inspect the skinbarrier to ensure there are no lifted edges. If the skin barrier becomes loose, soft or not firmly adhered, it is recommended to replace it in time to prevent leakage.

3.Shower With A Colostomy Bag Precautions

People with sensitive skin or those prone to allergies are advised to use hypoallergenic materials to make pockets (such as Zodelo’s All-Silicone Series). Or use skin barrier wipe in combination to protect the skin.
People who sweat frequently or take baths: The skin barrier becomes loose, soft and aged, resulting in poor adhesion. It is recommended to shorten the replacement cycle.
Avoid excessively high water temperature or excessive water pressure impact: Prevent the colostomy bag from leaking or falling off due to high temperature or huge impact force.

Shower without a colostomy bag

1.Preparations before shower without a colostomy bag:

Choose the right time:It is suitable to select a period with less excretion, such as one hour before meals or in the early morning. Reduce the possibility of excrement being discharged during bathing and enhance bathing comfort.
Prepare the required items:brand new colostomy bag or skin barrier, soft non-woven fabric wipes, sealing rings or leak-proof ointment, Skin Barrier Film, garbage bags and absorbent tissues.
Take anti-slip measures:Lay anti-slip MATS in the bathroom to prevent stoma injuries caused by falls during bathing.
Check the airtightness:Before taking a shower, confirm the fit and airtightness of the colostomy bag to the skin to prevent leakage or water ingress during the bath.

2.Shower without a colostomy bag precautions

Avoid taking a shower without a colostomy bag when there is erosion and exudation of the skin around the stoma. Prevent the shower from further irritating the skin and worsening skin problems.
For patients with large or frequent excrement discharge, it is recommended to shorten the shower time to reduce the cleaning burden caused by excretion.
When in the early postoperative period and the stoma is relatively fragile, it is also recommended to avoid shower without a colostomy bag.

Ways to Keep Your Colostomy Bag Dry in the Shower

Use Shower Guard or Ostomy Shower Cover: Make it cover the entire colostomy bag and skin barrier, which can effectively prevent water from entering.
Adjust the direction and intensity of the shower water flow: It is recommended to use a gentle showerhead or a hand-held showerhead to rinse from the side of the body. Avoid direct impact of water on the chassis and bag body. This causes the colostomy bag to shift and fall off.
Adjust the water temperature of the shower: Avoid the water temperature being too high, which may cause the skin barrier colloid to lose its stickiness, resulting in leakage and peeling.
Use disposable waterproof stickers to protect the filter: prevent the filter from losing its exhaust and deodorization effects after absorbing water, and protect the filter.
Quick hold after a shower: Gently pat the colostomy bag with a towel to absorb the moisture, avoiding rubbing the stoma area back and forth. Or a hair dryer with cold air can be used to quickly dry the bag body.

Changing your colostomy bag system

Before shower with a colostomy bag , you had better change your colostomy bag. Here is a detailed guide to how to change colostomy bag.

1. How to change colostomy bag step by-step

Step 1: Prepare the necessary items and choose a suitable location

Prepare the required items: new colostomy bag system, ostomy scissors, wet wipes or soft tissues, measurement cards, glue remover, ostomy powder, sealing rings, leak-proof paste. Choose a clean and bright place to replace it.

Step 2: Wash your hands

Before replacement, wash your hands thoroughly to keep them clean and avoid contaminating the stoma and causing infection during the process

Step 3: Remove the old colostomy bag

Hold the skin with one hand and gently remove the adhered base from top to bottom. If the glue is stuck too firmly, you can use a glue remover spray.

Discard the old colostomy bag.

Step 4: Observe the stoma

A normal stoma should be bright red and moist. If the color is incorrect or there is erosion, exudation or other conditions, one should go to the hospital for medical treatment in time

Step 5: Clean the skin around the stoma

Gently wipe the stoma with warm water and a soft towel until it is clean

Wait for the stoma to dry or use it in combination with stoma powder

Step 6: Measure the diameter of the stoma

Measure the stoma with a measuring card to determine its diameter

Step 7: Cutting

Based on the measured diameter, the opening diameter of the cutting base needs to be increased by 1-2mm. Confirm that the cutting edge is smooth and flat

Step 8: Paste the skin barrier

Remove the undercarriage backing and gently press against the stoma

Check for any wrinkles or curled edges around to ensure a firm and seamless bond

Step 9: Organize the discharge outlet

Empty the bottom of the bag, fold it and fasten the clips or Velcro tightly to ensure a seal and prevent leakage.

2. How often to change your colostomy bag?

One piece colostomy bag: The skin barrierand the bag body are of an integrated structure and are usually replaced every 1 to 3 days.
Two piece colostomy bag: The wafer and the bag body are separated. The wafer can be adhered to the skin for multiple uses. The wafer can basically be recycled for 3 to 5 days, and the bag body can be replaced separately according to one’s own specific situation.
Drainable colostomy bag: The replacement frequency depends on the patient’s own condition. Generally, when more than half of the excrement inside the bag is discharged, it needs to be emptied in a timely manner.
Closed-endcolostomy bag: When the excrement inside is nearly full, it needs to be replaced immediately with a new one and discarded as a whole after use.

Adjusting to Life with a colostomy bag

1. Regarding clothing

Try to wear loose, soft, light and breathable clothes. Avoid overly tight or hard clothing squeezing the stoma, and at the same time, make it more invisible within loose clothing.

2. Going out and socializing

Before going out, prepare a new colostomy bag, cleaning wipes, ostomy accessories products, etc. in advance.
You can choose the most suitable colostomy bag based on your outdoor activities. If you cannot change it for a long time, you can use a large-capacity colostomy bag. Use the small-capacity, lightweight one piece colostomy bag when doing exercise and fitness.
When socializing, you can choose the colostomy bag with an activated carbon filter or use deodorizing spray in advance, etc.

3. Diet

In the initial stage, avoid high-fiber and gas-producing foods to prevent frequent flatulence and bag swelling problems.
Avoid eating foods with overly strong flavors, such as Onions and fermented foods. Prevent the embarrassing problem of unpleasant odors.

4. Travel

Choose the colostomy bag with an activated carbon filter device. Activated carbon can absorb the unpleasant odors in the bag and reduce the problem of bag swelling, avoiding the embarrassment of unpleasant odors outside.
You can choose the large-capacity drainable colostomy bag, which has a long usage time. The opening at the bottom can discharge excrement, avoiding the trouble of frequent replacement during the journey.
It can be used in combination with some leak-proof colostomy bag Accessories, such as leak-proof rings and leak-proof pastes, etc. Enhance the firmness and sealing performance of the chassis. Avoid the problem of leakage of excrement and odors during the journey, which makes it impossible to clean and replace them in time.

5. Exercise

A one-piece small-capacity colostomy bag can be used, which is more portable. It avoids falling due to excessive weight and makes replacement faster and more convenient.
It can be used in combination with anti-leak rings, anti-leak paste, reinforcing belts, etc., to enhance the firmness and sealing performance of the chassis.
Before exercising, empty the excrement and gas in the colostomy bag. At the same time, prepare a new spare colostomy bag in case it leaks or falls off and cannot be replaced.

6. Work

Choose the colostomy bag with an activated carbon filter. Activated carbon can absorb the unpleasant odors in the bag and reduce the problem of bag swelling, avoiding the embarrassment of unpleasant odors in the office.
Choose the two-piece colostomy bag. There’s no need to change the base. Just quickly replace the bag body, which is more convenient and fast, avoiding the embarrassing trouble of cleaning and changing in the office toilet.
It can be used in combination with leak-proof rings, leak-proof pastes, etc. Enhance the firmness and sealing of the chassis to prevent leakage or odor problems in the office.

Ordering Colostomy Bag Supplies

At Zodelo, we offer a full range of pocket products.such as: Airlora Series, Calmlora Series, Mellora Series, Joylora Series and Ostomy Product Accessories. These ostomy bag products are suitable for patients with all conditions and physical conditions. Zodelo has always been dedicated to professional stoma care, aiming to enable all users to lead the most reassuring, comfortable and confident life. Contact Us!

FAQs - Best Way To Shower With A Colostomy Bag

Q1. What should I use to cleanse the skin around my stoma?

When taking A Shower With A Colostomy Bag, cleaning the peristomal skin is key to preventing leakage, allergies and dermatitis. The following items are mainly recommended for use:
Warm water: Warm water can effectively clean the skin around the stoma and is gentle and non-irritating.
Alcohol-free or other additive-free cleaning products: Avoid alcohol or other substances that may irritate the skin around the stoma, causing infection and skin problems.
Tissues or non-woven soft towels: When drying the skin around the stoma, prevent the shedding of fibrous fibers or damage and irritation to the skin around the stoma caused by rough material towels.

Q2. Can I go swimming with a colostomy bag?

Absolutely fine. Most modern colostomy bags (such as Zodelo) have excellent water resistance and are designed to fully adapt to swimming, hot spring soaking, and outdoor water activities.

However, before swimming, it is necessary to change or empty the colostomy bag in advance. Use the leak-proof ring or leak-proof paste, colostomy bag waterproof cover in combination. Cover the filter holes with waterproof stickers to protect the filter. Swim in the water only after ensuring that the chassis is firmly adhered and completely sealed.

When swimming, it is necessary to pay attention to avoiding prolonged soaking, which may cause the skin barrier to stick loosely and lead to leakage. Avoid diving or overly intense movements that may cause stoma damage or the loss of the colostomy bag.

Conclusion - Best Way To Shower With A Colostomy Bag

Knowing the best way to shower with a colostomy bag is an important step towards health and confidence. Incorrect bathing methods can cause leakage and more concurrent problems. Therefore, all patients should learn to shower with a colostomy bag correctly . However, if serious or unsolvable problems arise, one should go to the hospital for treatment in a timely manner.

At Zodelo, every step from material selection to meticulous design stems from a belief: to reduce users’ worries and enhance their comfort. Zodero will always be by your side. Zodelo will also always be with you, providing you with the most comfortable, safe and reassuring ostomy care.

If you have any needs, please feel free to contact us or get our product catalog.