Colostomy refers to an operation wherein a surgeon attaches the end of a patient’s colon to a stoma. A stoma is an opening made by a surgeon in the wall of the patient’s belly that enables their wastes to leave their bodies since they cannot have a rectal bowel movement. If you or someone you love had to undergo this kind of operation, it may be because they had cancer, a bowel tear or blockage, birth defects, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, an injury in the colon, or pouches in their colon. They may also have a temporary stoma if their colostomy was for the healing of a damaged section of their bowels. Hence, they would likely need home health care in California.

As a Medicare-certified home health agency in Chula Vista, California that provides skilled services accredited by CHAP, it is critical that you keep the skin around your stoma looking as healthy as possible. Our home health care team at Modern Home Health Care, Inc. is, therefore, sharing some tips.

First, it is important that you change the pouching system frequently in order to prevent leaks and skin irritation. Burning and itching are signs that the pouching system needs to be changed and that your skin needs to be cleaned with water. However, we suggest that you do not remove the pouching system more than once every day unless there is a problem. Furthermore, watch out for allergies and sensitivities since they may cause a skin reaction. Do not forget to use the right sizes, too, for the pouch and the skin barrier opening. If the opening is too small, it may injure or cut the stoma and cause it to swell. An opening that is too large may also lead to skin irritation and affect your or your loved ones’ home health in San Diego.

Should you have questions on this matter, our experienced and licensed nurses providing skilled nursing in California can further assist you.