Winter Stoma Care: Staying Comfortable Through the Cold Season
Why Winter Needs Extra Attention for Ostomy Care
Winter brings unique challenges for stoma care. Cold air, dry indoor heating, and bulky clothing can affect both your skin around the stoma (peristomal skin) and how well your pouching system performs. According to the article “Effects winter can have on your ostomy”, “Winter can have a drying effect on your skin as a whole, and there is the potential that it will cause the skin around your stoma to be drier than normal.”
Another resource emphasises that cold weather and dry indoor air “can really zap your skin of moisture … especially troublesome around the stoma area.”
Given that, here are five key winter care tips tailored for ostomy users and their families.
1. Moisturize — But Not Before You Change Your Bag
Dry winter conditions often lead to flaky skin. It’s important to keep the skin around your stoma moisturized—but also to apply your pouch barrier to clean, dry, lotion‑free skin. Winter guidance notes that “skin is more susceptible to dryness due to moisture loss … this may lead to increased flakiness and irritation which may pose challenges for your stoma area.”
Tip: Use a gentle, fragrance‑free moisturizer on non‑wear areas (town of barrier zone) before bed or during the day—but ensure you wipe off any residue and that the barrier area is clean and dry when changing your pouch.
2. Warm Your Barrier Before Applying
Cold adhesives may not stick as well. In one winter stoma‑care article, the advice is given: “Warm up your pouch … if your pouch is particularly cold you might have to warm up your pouch before applying. Some pouches react better whenever they are warmed, maybe put it in your pocket or put it under your arm…”
Tip: Hold your barrier wafer (or pouch system) in your hands or under your arm for 10‑15 seconds before application to help it adhere better.
3. Protect Against Dry, Flaky Skin
The drying effects of winter heating and wind can irritate peristomal skin and weaken the barrier seal. One guide recommends using protective wipes and considering skin barrier accessories such as alginate flanges for dry or irritated skin.
Tip:
Use a skin‑barrier wipe after cleaning the skin and before appliance application.
If your skin feels tight or itchy, light stoma powder can help—but use only as directed.
Consider barrier rings or moldable adhesives if skin texture is uneven.
4. Watch Out for Winter Clothing Friction
Layering up for winter is wise, but thick sweaters, tight waistbands or heavy belts can rub against your pouch or stoma area—causing discomfort or impaired adhesion. According to the “Stoma winter care advice” from Coloplast: “Staying warm during winter is crucial and layering is key. Opt for loose, warm layers that won’t tug on your ostomy bag.”
Tip: Choose soft, high‑waist clothing, avoid tight belts over the stoma, and consider a light ostomy wrap underneath layers to provide cushioning and stability.
5. Storage & Supplies: Don’t Leave Them Outside the Warm Zone
Cold storage areas (garage, shed, near radiator) may affect adhesives, seals and performance. One article states: “People tend to have the heating on more in the cold weather … you may still find your skin is drier than normal. … Also, if you have seals and sprays the heat may affect them.”
Tip:
Store ostomy supplies in a room-temperature environment, away from direct heat or extreme cold.
Always keep extra supplies on hand during winter, in case delivery is delayed or outdoor weather becomes tricky.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to mean discomfort or complication for ostomy users. By focusing on moisturizing smartly, warming your appliance, protecting skin, dressing thoughtfully and storing supplies properly, you can maintain confidence and comfort.
With the right routine and products, the season becomes just another part of your life—not a barrier to living well with a stoma.