The climate and temperature of the area you live in can have a significant impact on the way you use your ostomy appliances. If you are traveling to the region where the temperature is high, you might have to adapt to the new conditions to keep the ostomy appliance’s wear time more consistent.
In this article, we will discuss some general tips on how you can manage your ostomy in extreme weather conditions.
Hot weather
Hot summer days bring with them the charming effect that incites the urge to go for outdoor activities, but the ostomates might not like the way their bodies start rejecting the ostomy appliances. A rise in temperature causes the skin to release extra moisture, which can result in the ostomy appliance’s skin barrier coming off quickly.
Here is how you can manage your stoma during hot weather.
- Heat causes perspiration, which gets between the peristomal skin and the skin barrier. You may want to talk to your ostomy care nurse to ask about something even stronger. You can consider using an antiperspirant that keeps perspiration from building up.
- Moisture can cause leaks under the ostomy appliance. You may want to use a stoma paste or Eakin seal to create a tighter and more leak-proof seal.
- You may not want to use a Karaya rubber-based ostomy appliance in hot conditions. This rubber is great due to its softness and ability to conform, but it doesn’t do well when exposed to hot conditions. Instead, you can use a synthetic ostomy barrier, which is more tolerant of heat.
- Due to heat and moisture in hot conditions, the skin can be more susceptible to breakdown. You will need to be specifically careful about the area where the ostomy appliance as to sit. You may want to use an ostomy appliance cover to mitigate this risk.
- You are going to have to drink more fluids to avoid the risk of dehydration.
- It is the best practice to keep extra ostomy supplies wherever you go. If you engage in sports activities, you will need to keep mini ostomy pouches that adhere well to the skin and are ideal for short-time use.
Cold weather
Cold weather should not be a cause of concern when it comes to the management of your ostomy. Your ostomy appliance will stick well to the peristomal skin because there is no chance of perspiration. You may, however, want to avoid exposure to dry air because it can prove to be problematic for the skin.
Skin dryness actually produces an ideal situation for the skin barrier to make a seal, but excessive dryness on the peristomal skin can be problematic.
If the environment in the indoors is excessively dry, you may want to invest in a low-cost humidifier to maintain an adequate level of moisture in the air. Make sure to avoid having too much moisture because it can cause a lack of adhesion between the skin barrier and the peristomal skin.
For further details, you may want to contact your doctor or ostomy care nurse.
