Showering?

Hi. I am a caregiver in a group home and I care for an individual who has an ileostomy.  One of the problems we've run into is that his bag needs to be replaced every few days and the frequent replacements is really making his skin raw.  One of the most tricky times as a staff member where I work is shower time.  We've been using kitchen-grade plastic wrap and trying to cover the entire bag and what ends up being half of his torso and securing it with medical tape, but still water seems to leak in and get the bag wet--causing it to need to be replaced again.  We try not to let him get water directly in that area, and instead use a damp cloth on that side of his body, but it's still a problem.

Are there better ways we could handle his showering situation? What works for others with the same issues?

[jdwithhcv]

Whenever possible shower him after removing the old wafer and before placing a new one (obviously not right after a meal.)  Water will not hurt the stoma, its good for the skin to breathe and it gets you around the water problem.  Also, when you change the wafer be sure to remove ALL the old glue and be sure the skin is completely clean and dry.  You will get much a much better seal that way and will not have to change the wafer as often.  Change the wafer only when absolutely necessary, this will help with the raw skin problem.  Good luck.

[1603]

I've had my ileostomy since July 2008.  I too have found that showering causes wafer to loosen.  I have started changing my bag/weafer after I shower (twice weekly).  This allows my skin to heal between changes.  The other days are sponge baths.  I had a lot of trouble finding a system that would not leak in a reasonable length of time.  I've finally found one that works for me.  Hope this helps.