Your ostomy is a new part of your body. It may take awhile to get used to having a stoma. The swelling should already be subsiding, but it could still be a little swollen.
A little blood is not unusual
The ostomy tissue is very similar to the inside of your mouth – however, the stoma has no nerve endings, and the red color is normal and does not typically indicate pain or inflammation.
It could bleed a little because blood vessels are very close to the surface, but that's normal - just like the tissue inside your mouth bleeds easily.
Refrain from using soap when cleaning
You should obviously handle your ostomy with care, but there is no need to be afraid of touching it. To clean it, simply use warm tap water and a soft cloth or paper towel.
The ostomy tissue and the skin around it doesn't need soap for cleansing, and in fact, soap could irritate it and interfere with the adhesion of your barrier.
Bathing with an ostomy
Showering and bathing will not harm your ostomy or your pouching system, so you can shower with or without your pouch as you wish – as long as you remember to keep moisturizing soaps, oils or creams etc. away from the stoma.
Let the surrounding skin dry completely before you apply a new barrier – and that's actually all you need to do.
Information from Coloplast Care is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations.
You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis.
