Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Sponsored by Hollister
Login   |  
Forgot password?
 
Forum
Videos
Reviews
About Us
Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Where Everybody Understands You
41,453 members
Feb 03, 2017

Managing Ostomy in Hot Weather - Tips for Heat and Rash

The topic at hand is about managing an ostomy in extreme heat, particularly focusing on controlling sweat, preventing rashes, and ensuring the security of the ostomy appliance. This is especially relevant for someone living in a hot climate like Arizona, where high temperatures can pose challenges for ostomates. Here are some practical tips and insights to help keep your pouch secure and your skin healthy during the hot season:

1. Minimize sweat under the wafer:
- Apply a thin layer of regular stick deodorant around the stoma before attaching the wafer. This can help reduce perspiration and odor.
- Use Sure Seal Rings, which are clear polyurethane barriers that overlay the wafer, to keep moisture out. These are especially useful for activities like swimming, workouts, and outdoor work.
- Consider adding a cloth pouch cover, such as commercial covers or inexpensive all-cotton baby bibs, to absorb sweat and keep the plastic bag off your skin.
- Wear a supportive back or abdominal brace with Velcro. This can help keep the pouch in place if the adhesive loosens, allowing you to change it when convenient.

2. Change and empty more often in hot weather:
- Reduce the wear-time of your appliance when temperatures exceed 90°F, as prolonged wear in sweaty conditions can lead to seal failure.
- Plan your meals so that your output is lighter during the hottest part of the day, and try to keep the pouch as empty as possible when you need to be outside.

3. Treat and prevent rashes, blisters, or fungal spots:
- Use Lotrimin antifungal foot powder on any yeast or fungus-type rash. Apply it, then "crust" it with a barrier wipe, add a little stoma powder, and crust again. Some find that Lotrimin alone is effective.
- For sweat blisters under the wafer, apply a small dab of Neosporin on the blister, cover it with a band-aid, and then apply the wafer over it.

4. Stay hydrated and replace electrolytes, especially if you no longer have a colon:
- Drink sports beverages like Powerade Zero to restore sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes while keeping sugar intake low.
- Increase your intake of plain water and watch for early signs of dehydration, such as fatigue, dizziness, and decreasing sweat output.
- Eat potassium-rich foods in addition to drinking electrolyte beverages.
- Try to schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late evening to avoid the extreme heat and humidity.
See full discusison
Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
MeetAnOstoMate.org

MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,453 members.

“I found real people, real humor, and answers I couldn’t get anywhere else.”

“The support here impressed my husband’s medical team - they plan to recommend it.”

“This community saved me when I thought I was a freak. Now I’m thriving.”

“Thank god for this site - I finally knew what to ask my surgeon.”

Join Free

Popular Topics

Healthy Shakes!
TIGER SNAKE ENCOUNTER
Hi from Sweden
Help Needed: Finding Ostomy Supplies in Cancun
Managing In-Flight Bag Emptying for Frequent Travelers
Antiques
Ostomy Belt Rash: Seeking Advice and Solutions
Adjusting to Solid Foods Post-Surgery: Tips and Experiences
Reducing Stoma Size Suggestions
HORNSWOGGLED

New Topics

Flying with an Ostomy: Tips and Recommendations
Colostomy
🔮 These are the Horoscopes for the week of October 20, 2025
Bowel Cancer
2-Month Update After Ileostomy Reversal
Any Police or Security here
B. Withers - Be Kind 169
The sounds of Flabagale
Learning About Parastomal Hernias!
I wanna hear all the reasons!
About us | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Ostomy Blogs | Ostomy Q&A | Guides | Contact Us
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.
Copyright (c) MeetAnOstoMate.org All Rights Reserved
Create Account
Login
↑