One of the most common questions new ostomates have is about bathing and showering.

“Can I get my bag wet?”

“How long will a bag stay on if it gets wet?”

“Can I shower with my bag off?”

They imagine their bag floating off and being surrounded by a bath of poop. Not a nice thought, is it? So you can see why it would be worrying.

Bag on or bag off?

You can choose to bathe or shower with your bag on or off—it’s really a matter of personal preference. If your stoma behaves and doesn’t function at certain times of the day, you might find it possible to take a bath without your bag.

Personally, my stoma isn’t that predictable, so I prefer to keep my bag on. However, I do shower without my bag to ensure my skin is thoroughly clean and free of residue, making it easier to apply a new bag.

Yes, sometimes I do poo in the shower. It doesn’t bother me because it just washes away, and I’m in the perfect place to clean up if needed. But I understand that not everyone is comfortable with this.

I always have everything I need ready to go for when I get out of the shower. I keep a dry wipe behind the shower curtain to prevent accidents on the floor while drying off. Then, I simply pat the skin around my stoma dry, apply a fresh seal and bag, and continue with my usual self-care routine.

Tips for bag-free bathing or showering

If you decide to go bag-free, your peristomal skin (the skin around your stoma) will be exposed. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Avoid fragrances and perfumes: These can irritate the sensitive skin around your stoma, potentially causing dryness, itchiness, or soreness.
• Be cautious with moisturisers and oils: Products in washes, soaks, shampoos, and conditioners can prevent the baseplate from adhering properly.
• Thoroughly rinse and dry: Make sure to rinse and dry the peristomal skin well before attaching a new bag.

I use a feminine hygiene wash that’s free from perfumes and oils. When washing my hair, I’m careful to avoid letting shampoo and conditioner run down my front.

For me, showers are a morning activity, while baths are reserved for evening relaxation. If I’ve already showered in the morning but want a relaxing bath later, I keep the same bag on and just dry it afterward.

Drying your bag after bathing

Stoma bags vary, and some dry more easily than others. Some baseplates absorb water quickly, which can make the edges thicker and a bit slimy. Whether you need to change your bag after a bath or shower depends on your specific bag and how it handles moisture. If your bag is designed for extended wear, there are things you can do to avoid changing it:

• Use flange extenders: Wear them in the shower or bath to protect the baseplate edges, then remove them afterward.
• Dry the edges: Wipe any moisture from the baseplate edges and use a hairdryer on low heat to dry it out.
• Dry the bag: You can also use a hairdryer on the same setting to dry the bag itself. This prevents having a damp crotch for a few hours!

Don’t forget to enjoy your bath or shower!

Adding a stoma care routine to your bathing ritual can be a bit annoying. Occasionally, I wish I could just step out of the shower, dry off, and get dressed without the extra steps. In reality, applying my seal and bag takes less than a minute. The process has become quicker over time, though my mood sometimes makes it feel more tedious.

Sometimes my stoma becomes active at the end of my shower, which can also be frustrating. If you experience this too, please just know that it’s normal, and it’s okay to have mixed feelings about your stoma.

At times, bath or shower time can feel like the only part of the day when you get some peace and quiet; some time to just relax in the moment. A stoma shouldn’t change that.