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Learn how to help prevent stoma fluid leakage.

Making sure your ostomy pouch adheres properly will go a long way towards preventing leaks. Here are some tips for staying leak-free:

Put a high priority on ostomy skin health. Damaged skin around your stoma can be hard to manage because you need to place the ostomy pouching system over the irritated area. This is why being proactive with your peristomal skin health is so important.

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Change your ostomy pouch on a regular basis. It is important to change your pouch on a regular basis before it is susceptible to leakage. An overfilled or overweight pouch causes undue strain on your skin barrier attachment to the skin, which could lead to leakage.

Suggestions:

• Change your pouch on a regular schedule before it leaks
• Pouching system wear time is based on personal preference, your unique stoma, and output
• Twice a week changes are considered usual

Make sure your ostomy pouch is secure during exercise or physical activity. If you are participating in sporting activities or other forms of exercise, you can wear certain clothing or accessories that can help ease your concerns. The same goes for other “physical activities” (i.e. sex).

Suggestions:

• Use a support garment or an ostomy wrap  to keep the pouch securely in place
• Try different sports attire, such as running tights or Lycra® shorts, to see what works best
• It’s also a good idea to empty your pouch before exercise or having sex

Take special care when removing your ostomy skin barrier. Improperly or rapidly removing of your skin barrier could cause skin stripping. The associated damage could lead to irritation, pain, and leaks.

Suggestions:

• Take your time – gentle and slow is best
• Gently peel the barrier away from skin, starting at the top and working downwards, while pressing against the surrounding skin