Shaving Around The Stoma - Peer Advice

Shaving around a stoma can be a sensitive and challenging task for many individuals with an ostomy. Proper hair removal is essential for maintaining skin health and ensuring that the ostomy barrier adheres correctly. Drawing from a wealth of shared experiences on the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum, this compilation offers a variety of tips and advice to tackle this delicate issue.

Based on the discussions from the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum, here are the tips and advice for shaving around the stoma:

1. Use an electric bikini shaver, as it is non-invasive and effective for hair removal around the stoma.
2. Consider using Veet for longer-lasting hair removal compared to shaving, but be cautious as it may cause chemical burns.
3. Seek advice from a doctor or ostomy nurse before considering laser hair removal around the stoma.
4. Clean, smooth skin is essential for the barrier/wafer to adhere without gaps, so regular hair removal is important.
5. Be cautious with products like Veet, perform a patch test first, and avoid leaving it on for too long to prevent skin irritation or burns.
6. Some individuals use disposable shavers, women's disposable razors, tweezers, scissors, or a sensitive skin 5-blade razor with a sensitive shave gel for a good and long-lasting result.
7. Use a rechargeable mustache/beard trimmer to avoid nicks, cuts, or ingrown hairs, and change the appliance regularly.
8. Shave around the stoma after a hot bath when the stiff hairs have softened, and use clippers periodically for other extraneous hair.
9. Depilatories are mentioned as an option for hair removal, with a reminder to be cautious and use the sensitive skin version.
10. Laser hair removal can be effective in reducing skin irritation around the stoma, but it is not a permanent solution.
11. Using a trimmer for removing hair around the stoma to avoid ingrown hairs, nicks, or cuts.
12. Laser hair removal treatments require the removal of the skin barrier, and precautions like having towels around and not eating prior to the treatment may be necessary.
13. Using a beard trimmer to keep the hair short can be a practical and less invasive alternative to laser hair removal.
14. Shaving with a regular or disposable razor around the stoma, being careful of the stoma, and using a small scissors/trimmer for closer trimming is a method that works for some individuals.
15. Some individuals prefer to yank out the hair, mentioning that it gets easier with time and doesn't hurt as much, but others find it tedious and painful.

You should always consider individual skin sensitivity and preferences when choosing a shaving method. If you have further questions, consider posting in the discussion forum of MeetAnOstoMate.org for additional insights.

Check out these links for more information:

• Hair Removal Around Stoma: Any Tips? (February 12, 2023)
• Best shaving options for sensitive skin around stoma? (May 12, 2022)
• How to manage hair around the stoma? (October 08, 2020)
• Hair Removal Options for Stoma (October 24, 2013)
• Tips for Healing and Preventing Irritation Around Your Stoma (April 08, 2016)
• Laser Hair Removal for Stoma Irritation (September 30, 2014)
• Laser Hair Removal for Ostomy Site: Experiences? (May 24, 2016)
• Opinions on NoNo Hair Removal for Stoma Hair? (June 26, 2011)
• Less Shaving Required for Ostomy Veterans? (March 19, 2020)
• Need Advice for Damaged Stoma Skin (February 04, 2022)