Your Complete Guide to Colostomy Care at Home

• Stoma Measuring Guide

This tool helps ensure that the opening of the skin barrier matches the size and shape of the stoma, providing a snug fit to reduce the risk of leakage and protect surrounding skin.

• Adhesive Remover

To avoid damage during pouch changes, adhesive remover wipes or sprays are used to gently lift the colostomy bag and barrier without pulling on the skin.

• Cleaning Supplies

Warm water, soft cloths, or non-perfumed wipes are used to clean around the stoma area. Harsh soaps or alcohol-based products should be avoided to minimise irritation.

• Disposal Bags

Used ostomy bags and materials should be discarded in odour-proof disposal bags, which keep the environment hygienic and reduce odour during disposal.

• Barrier Rings or Strips

These flexible accessories help fill in uneven skin surfaces, creating a better seal for the pouching system and further preventing leaks.

• Belt or Support Garments

An ostomy belt or support wear can help hold the pouch securely in place, especially for active individuals or those concerned about the bag shifting.

• Lubricating Deodorant

These are specially made for ostomy pouches to reduce odours and make emptying easier, improving overall comfort and discretion.

Understanding these terms and selecting what works best for you can dramatically improve comfort and prevent complications.



2. Creating a Daily Routine

Consistency helps simplify colostomy care. Emptying your ostomy bag when it's about one-third full can help prevent leaks and reduce odours. Most people find that first thing in the morning and before bedtime are the most convenient times for bag maintenance.

Your routine should include:

1. Cleaning the Stoma

• Gently remove the used ostomy bag using adhesive remover if needed.
• Rinse the area with warm water and a soft cloth or non-perfumed wipe.
• Avoid using soaps with alcohol, oils, or fragrance, which can cause irritation.
• Pat the area completely dry before applying new products—moisture can affect adhesion.



2. Applying a New Pouch

• Use a stoma measuring guide to ensure the skin barrier opening fits snugly.
• Apply the barrier product around the stoma to protect skin and help the colostomy bag stick properly.
• Attach the new pouch carefully, making sure it’s secure and comfortable without restricting the stoma.



3. Checking Skin Health

Every time you change the pouch, check the skin around the stoma for:

• Skin redness, rashes, or weeping sores around the stoma
• Increased pain, swelling, or stoma discolouration
• Unusual odour or discharge from the stoma site
• Fever or general feelings of being unwell

These could be early signs of skin irritation, an allergic reaction to adhesives, or infection. Seek advice from a wound ostomy continence nurse if symptoms persist.



3. Managing Common Challenges

Even with a well-established routine, occasional issues may arise in colostomy care. Knowing how to manage these common challenges can make a big difference in daily comfort and confidence.

Odour Control

While modern colostomy bags are designed to be odour-proof, some people may still worry about smells. Here’s how to manage odour discreetly:

• Use lubricating deodorants made specifically for ostomy pouches. These neutralise smells and make emptying easier.
• Certain foods like onions, garlic, eggs, and fish can contribute to odour. Drinking plenty of water and including yoghurt or parsley may help neutralise it naturally.
• Charcoal filters, built into some stoma bags, allow gas to escape without letting odour through.
• Clean the pouch outlet thoroughly after each emptying to reduce residual smell.

Dealing with Leaks

Leakage from the colostomy bag can be uncomfortable, stressful, and damaging to the skin. Here's how to stay leak-free:

• Check the seal every time you change the ostomy bag—look for signs of looseness or wrinkles.
• Empty your pouch regularly (when it’s 1/3 to 1/2 full) to avoid overfilling.
• Consider barrier rings or strips to improve the seal around uneven skin.
• Avoid tight clothing that puts pressure on the stoma or edges of the pouch.
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If leaks persist, consult a wound ostomy continence nurse for a reassessment of your products and routine.

4. Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments

These lifestyle adjustments support healthy digestion, help maintain predictable bowel movements, and improve overall quality of life.



Foods That May Cause Odour or Gas

While dietary needs vary from person to person, certain foods are more likely to cause odour or gas, which can be concerning when using a colostomy bag. Identifying your personal triggers and gradually reintroducing foods helps you regain comfort and confidence.

Odour-Causing Foods:

• Garlic and onions
• Fish and eggs
• Cabbage, asparagus, and some cheeses

Gas-Producing Foods:

• Broccoli, cauliflower, and sprouts
• Beans and legumes
• Carbonated drinks and chewing gum

Some foods can also alter the consistency or timing of your bowel movements, so maintaining a food diary can be helpful.

 

Staying Hydrated and Eating for Digestion

Hydration and good digestion play a central role after ostomy surgery, particularly for those with a transverse colostomy, where output may be less predictable.

• Drink 8–10 glasses of water each day to prevent dehydration and keep waste moving smoothly
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce strain on digestion
• Chew food thoroughly to aid absorption and reduce gas
• Introduce high-fibre foods gradually to prevent blockages



Physical Activity

Physical activity supports both physical and mental well-being. With some adjustments, you can safely return to a more active lifestyle:



Do:

• Begin with light walking, stretching, or yoga
• Wear a support belt or wrap over your ostomy bag during activity
• Check with your healthcare provider before lifting or intense workouts

Don’t:

• Rush into abdominal-heavy exercises too soon
• Ignore pain or stoma changes during or after activity
• Skip warm-ups or post-exercise rest

Regular movement also helps reduce the risk of bloating and promotes a more consistent digestive rhythm.

5. Emotional Well-being and Support

While much of colostomy care focuses on physical health, the emotional journey is just as important. Adjusting to life with a colostomy bag—whether temporary or permanent—can stir a mix of emotions, from relief and hope to fear, frustration, or grief. Recognising and addressing these feelings is key to building a positive, empowered life after ostomy surgery.

What can help:

• Allow yourself to grieve what’s changed—acknowledge the loss and shift your focus toward healing.
• Celebrate small wins—mastering a pouch change, going out with confidence, or returning to hobbies.
• Be patient with yourself. Like any major transition, this one takes time.



Connecting with Support Groups or Counselling

Countless Australians live with ostomies, and there are vibrant, understanding communities ready to help you feel seen, heard, and supported.

• Support Groups: Whether in-person or online, these spaces provide comfort, tips, and emotional validation from others who’ve walked the same path.
• Professional Counselling: Speaking with a therapist who understands chronic illness and body image challenges can be transformative, especially in the early weeks post-surgery.
• Wound ostomy continence nurses often offer emotional as well as clinical support. Don’t hesitate to reach out—they’re trained to help in more ways than one.

If you're also receiving funded care, you can access these through trusted NDIS nursing services. Our team is here to support you holistically, with both medical expertise and compassionate care.

Helping a Loved One with Colostomy Care

Caring for someone with a colostomy is a deeply meaningful role. You might assist with practical tasks like changing the colostomy bag, cleaning the stoma, or organising medical supplies. But just as importantly, you're offering emotional support, reassurance, and a calming presence when your loved one needs it most.

It’s important to recognise that caregiving, while rewarding, can also take a toll. Don’t forget to care for your own well-being along the way. It's important to:

• Take breaks when you need to
• Seek out caregiver support groups or counselling
• Talk openly about your own feelings and experiences
• Practice self-care without guilt



Takeaway

Adjusting to life with a colostomy can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right care and information, it quickly becomes a manageable part of daily life. Effective colostomy care at home focuses on protecting the skin, maintaining a secure and comfortable fit, and establishing a simple routine that suits your lifestyle. Recognising small issues early helps prevent complications and supports long-term health.



Whether caring for yourself or assisting a loved one, taking a proactive and informed approach to colostomy care makes a real difference. With practical techniques, the right supplies, and support from health professionals when needed, living with a colostomy can become a positive step towards recovery, independence, and greater confidence in everyday life.