To care for your stoma and skin, follow these steps each time you change your pouch. Remove your old pouch and dispose of it. Wash your hands. Dampen a soft wash cloth with warm water. Clean the skin around the stoma. Gently clean the stoma. A small amount of bleeding when you clean is normal, but call your provider if it bleeds a lot or doesn't stop. Pat the skin and stoma dry with a soft cloth. Using a mirror, check the stoma and nearby skin for problems. The stoma should look shiny and moist and be dark pink or red. The skin around it should be smooth with no red, white, or broken spots. If you notice any problems or see changes, call your health care provider. If needed, apply a skin barrier wipe or gel to protect your skin. Let it dry for one minute. Put on the new pouch as you have been instructed.
Date Last Reviewed: 05/01/2020
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Find the right provider to meet your needs
From primary care to specialty services and more.
Find a Doctor
Call for an Appointment
Offering personalized care at more than 20 clinics across three cities and two states.
Call NowRelated Articles
Step-by-Step: Stoma Care: Empyting the Pouch
Here are the steps for emptying the pouch for your stoma.
Step-by-Step: Stoma Care: Changing the Pouch
Here are the steps for changing the pouch for your stoma.
Step-by-Step: Stoma Care: How to Irrigate
Here are the steps for irrigating your stoma.
What is an NG Tube?
Watch this video to learn what a Nasogastric Tube, or NG tube is, how it works, and why your healthcare provider may decide you need one in the hospital.