Topic Explanation:
The discussion revolves around managing hair growth around a stoma, particularly when the stoma is located across from the belly button. Participants are seeking advice on effective and safe methods to remove or manage hair in this sensitive area to ensure proper adhesion of their ostomy appliances and to avoid skin irritation.
Extracted Advice and Helpful Insights:
1. Avoid Hair Removal Creams: Several participants warned against using hair removal creams like Nair around the stoma area due to the risk of severe skin irritation and burns.
2. Manual Trimming and Shaving:
- Use high-quality disposable razors for areas outside the immediate vicinity of the stoma.
- Employ fine scissors for trimming hair closer to the stoma, ensuring not to clip every hair but to manage the majority, making appliance removal less painful.
- Some participants mentioned using small sideburn trimmers or bikini razors for more precise control near the stoma.
3. Protective Measures During Hair Removal:
- One suggestion included using the lid of an adhesive remover spray to cover the stoma while shaving nearby to prevent accidental injury.
4. Drying and Adhesion Techniques:
- Use a hair dryer and a paper towel to thoroughly dry the area around the stoma after showering.
- Before applying the pouch, heat it with a hair dryer to improve adhesion.
5. Stoma Location Concerns:
- Discussions revealed that stoma placement can vary significantly, often influenced by individual anatomy and surgical preferences. Some participants noted that their stomas were placed higher or lower than expected, which can affect both appliance fit and hair management.
6. Humor and Community Support:
- Throughout the discussion, participants used humor to share their experiences and support each other, highlighting the importance of community in managing life with a stoma.
See full discusison