I dont think there are any more germs than washing with washcloth I have been taking baths for over a year now and never had a problem. I dont have skin rashes or any problems with my stoma Basically my skin is clean . If i was doing outside gardening or such and I had dirt on skin I would shower first I am not familiar with sitz baths

Hi, Katey. I take baths with my bag on. It feels super good to soak in a tub. That said, my immune system is weak from medications that I take for rheumatoid arthritis. If you are on meds that reduce your white blood cell counts (i.e. steroids, chemo, biologics for IBD), maybe ask your doc if it is safe for you to soak in a tub without your bag on. I used to shower with my bag off when it was "innactive." Well, I had a small sore on my backside that became infected with a morganella infection. Basically, my wound care doc told me that if I have any cuts, abrasions, bug bites, i.e., I should not bathe with my bag off. However--I do like changing my bag in my shower, and washing the bag area with the hand-held shower sprayer. I get better adherance by completely washing off bag remover residue. Your wound/ ostomy care nurse can recommend what type of soap you should use. Avoid soap with moisturizers that would reduce adherance, for example.