Top Tips for Life Without Leaks! – Convatec
22 December, 2023
This is a sponsored post by Convatec.
If you’ve ever had a stoma bag leakage, then you’ll know they are no fun…
While many who have experienced a leakage feel like there’s nothing that could help prevent it, you may be surprised to learn that very often it’s actually something you have a lot control over.
We’ve put together some top tips for preventing stoma leakages so have a read and see if there’s something you could try today to help prevent leakages in the future.
Tip #1 – Measure your stoma size regularly
It is important to regularly measure your stoma, particularly in the post-operative period, when the swelling caused by the surgery begins to go down. But do keep measuring even after this, as even an established stoma can change size and shape as your body changes – often due to weight loss and weight gain.
You need to ensure you have a snug fitting bag, which will help to reduce output seeping through any gaps.
Tip #2 – Find a product that suits you and your body
Every stoma is unique, and the contours of your body can play a big part in ill-fitting stoma bags. and there are products available to suit a range of stoma shapes and sizes. A well fitted pouch with a good secure seal should be all it takes to prevent leaks.
Charlie from Convatec’s me+™ Advocate Team experienced issues with leakages in the past but found her solution simply by changing products.
She said: “I thought life was never going to be the same. I couldn’t go out anywhere with the baby without being afraid the bag was going to leak. Wearing anything tight like jeans was a no-no as that increased the chance of a leak. I just wanted to concentrate on being a mum, not worrying about bags and leaks.”
A relative who has a stoma recommended Charlie try Convatec’s Mouldable Technology™. She requested a free sample from the Convatec Product Specialist tea, and was amazed by the results.
She said: “It was an instant win. I didn’t expect much from the samples, I just thought leaks were something to put up with, so I was shocked and amazed at how well they worked.
“I can go out without worrying and eat without panicking. It really has been life changing.”
This technology can be helpful for lots of people living with a stoma. A stoma can change size over time, but Convatec Mouldable Technology™ reacts to any changes in your stoma size and shape. This should reduce the potential for leakage and sore skin.
Tip #3 – Try Convexity
Convex baseplates are another option if you’re struggling with leakages. Designed for longer days, Convatec’s Esteem™+ Soft Convex bags offer extra security meaning you can enjoy life and put leakages to the back of your mind.
Convatec’s, Soft Convex baseplates are suitable for a wide range of body profiles, making them the ideal solution for those with uneven skin surfaces and or those with a hernia.
Tip #4 – Try a stoma seal
While stoma leakage can be embarrassing, it’s also the skin’s worst enemy. If you’re still struggling with leakages even after trying different products, Stomahesive® Seals could help. These offer a simple and effective way to protect the skin around the stoma. They can be custom moulded or stacked to fit individual patient needs and can also be broken and rejoined and used in combination with paste.
Tip #5 – A Hernia Support Belt can help if you’re Sporty
If you’re thinking about starting to get active, using a hernia support belt can be useful with sports as it stops the pouch getting knocked or pulled away from the stoma.
It’s also highly recommended that you empty your stoma bag before you start physical activity to reduce the risk of leakage due to the bag being too full.
Tip #6 – Make sure your skin is dry
Beware of maceration! Maceration is when the skin around the stoma becomes overhydrated because of prolonged exposure to moisture. Making sure the skin around your stoma is dry before applying your bag helps the adhesive to stick, meaning less chance of an uncomfortable leakage.
If you think you have skin maceration, then please be sure to seek advice from your stoma nurse as soon as possible.
Tip #7 – Emptying your bag
It goes without saying, but a top tip to try preventing stoma bag leakage is to empty the bag before it gets too full, which is another common cause of leakage. Letting your bag get too full can cause it to get too heavy which can cause the barrier to pull away from the skin, ultimately leading to leakage.
Tip #8 – Try an Output Solidifier Sachet
People who have liquid output may experience leakages more than others, which is where our Diamonds™ Gelling and Odour Control Sachets could help. These easy to use sachets turn your liquid stoma output into an easy to manage gel. Not only does this result in greater comfort, but users often find that Diamonds™ sachets help prevent leakage and sleep disruptions caused by the need to drain or release gas.
If you often suffer from leakages at night time, Diamonds could be the perfect solution, solidifying the liquid contents of your stoma bag for peace of mind that you won’t wake up to any accidents.
“Diamonds are incredible – they absorb anything in my stoma bag – on long train journeys for example – I no longer have any embarrassing accidents.” Sylvia, Cambridge
Tip #9 – Check your diet
Sometimes, it may not be the wrong product causing the bag leakage – it could be your diet. Leakage can be caused by watery output, and watery output can be caused by dietary changes. If you have changed your diet and also noticed an increase in bag leakages then you should address your diet to see if anything could be causing this watery output.
If you notice a persistent change in the consistency of output it could also be possible that you have got a bug. If you suspect this may be the case then you should visit your GP who may request a sample.
Tip #10 – Shave around your stoma
A lot of people with a stoma don’t realise that hair around the stoma can actually weaken the adhesive effect of the baseplate. This can also lead to leakages. Be sure to very carefully shave the area around your stoma site using a razor. We would recommend dry shaving using a stoma powder, to avoid any irritation from soap or shaving cream.
