Caring for the Skin Around Your Stoma

Healthy skin around your stoma (the peristomal skin) is the foundation of comfort and a secure pouch seal.

What healthy skin looks like

The skin around your stoma should look the same as the skin elsewhere on your abdomen — not red, sore, itchy or broken. The stoma itself is normally moist and red or pink.

Common causes of soreness

Most skin problems come from output leaking onto the skin, a flange that fits poorly, or removing the pouch too roughly. Catching these early prevents them from becoming painful.

Simple protective habits

• Clean only with warm water and a soft wipe; avoid perfumed soaps.
• Always dry the skin fully before applying a new pouch.
• Make sure the flange opening fits the stoma closely.
• Remove pouches gently, supporting the skin as you peel.

If skin stays sore, broken or itchy, ask a stoma nurse for advice — the right products and a small change in routine usually resolve it.