Care of colostomy

I didn’t know much about colostomy before, until I met a patient with a colostomy when I was accompanying my family in the hospital. Only then did I learn about rectal fistula. In fact, it is an artificial anus, which helps patients to excrete. Fistulas are mostly temporary, but can also be used for a long time. The stoma is like a wound, and excrement will be discharged every day. In order to prevent infection, the stoma must be carefully cared for.

1. About sex life:

Many patients are unwilling to have sexual intercourse because of the external fecal bag on the abdominal wall. In fact, patients with stoma should not give up their sexual life, and their families should also give them enough care and support. Patients can choose a mini stool storage bag or wear some elastic underwear and choose the right time. In short, patients should live a normal life to maintain a happy mood and better overcome the disease.

2. Dietary precautions:

Once a stoma patient has diarrhea, the patient will be extremely painful due to the uncontrollable defecation and the irritation of the intestinal mucosa and skin at the stoma by the loose stool. Therefore, the diet of stoma patients must be hygienic. Do not eat spicy and irritating foods, do not overeat, eat less gas-producing foods, such as: beans, leeks, celery, sweet potatoes, onions, etc., and drink less carbonated beverages. Individual patients with constipation can drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, and use laxatives with caution. If you need to take laxatives, please consult a doctor. In addition, patients should dress comfortably and choose loose-fitting clothing.

3. Peri-stomal skin care:

The stimulation of alkaline intestinal fluid and feces may cause inflammatory reactions in the skin around the stoma, including infection, bleeding, ulcers, etc. The main preventive measures are to correctly apply stoma skin care powder and protective film.

Fistula skin care powder: It does not contain any drugs. Its main ingredient is sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, which can keep the skin dry and has anti-inflammatory and astringent effects. Suitable for the care of redness, itching and rashes, etc. When using, you should first clean the skin around the stoma, unscrew the cap of the skin care powder, aim the bottle mouth at the skin that needs protection, then gently shake the bottle, sprinkle an appropriate amount of powder on the skin around the stoma, and spread the powder evenly with gauze or paper towel.

The method of using the stoma skin protective film is: first clean the skin around the stoma and dry it, then use gauze to evenly apply the protective agent on the skin. After about 15-30 seconds, the protective agent will form a protective film. When the stoma bag or base plate is replaced, the protective film will be peeled off at the same time.

Skin care powder and protective film can be used together. Once dermatitis occurs, the dermatitis area should be cleaned with normal saline, iodine disinfection can also be used, and the skin should be dried with sterile cotton balls. If conditions permit, stay in a ventilated place for a while, and then apply skin care powder and skin care products correctly.