Ostomate practical tips for summer: Does sweating weaken the adhesive?

Posted by danaw2026 @danaw2026, Aug 3 12:20pm

As a relatively new urostomate, do you have practical advice for summertime? Specifically, to what extent does sweating weaken the pouch adhesive? Since it's recommended to change the pouch only twice a week, I'm finding it difficult to maintain regular summer activities.

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Susan F, Volunteer Mentor | @susanf8 | Aug 3 6:47pm

@danaw2026 It's certainly something you can bring to the meeting.

I think this topic deserves its own thread to get tips from more people.

I personally would wind up changing slightly more frequently when I lived in Arizona and engaged in outdoor activities and was sweating a lot. It meant that I was changing every 3 days instead of every 4 days.

ronzee50 | @ronzee50 | Aug 3 11:29pm

Hi,

I’ve had my urostomy for a little over a year. I live in Surprise Arizona where you definitely sweat in the summer. Just walking out the door when the temps are 105 + degrees you immediately start perspiring. I have not had any issues with the adhesive on my wafer. I also shower with my appliance uncovered. I try to make sure I have a good seal when I change it. Usually after 5 or 6 days.
I also have done yard work where I was sweating a lot. I did change products from the ones I started out with. Finding a manufacture whose products adapt to your body may also be a factor.

janetexmsrrose | @janetexmsrrose | Aug 4 9:28am

Sweating makes my appliance harder to pul off when I need to change itt

mariar55 | @mariar55 | Aug 5 5:20am

In reply to @ronzee50 "Hi, I’ve had my urostomy for a little over a year. I live in Surprise Arizona..." + (show)

@ronzee50 what products do you use? I may give them a try myself. I know that everyone is different and I have very sensitive skin.

ronzee50 | @ronzee50 | Aug 5 12:02pm

I am using Coloplast products. I started using Hollister products when I first got my stoma. Because of all the depressions surrounding my stoma, my wound nurse had me using barrier rings and small cut pieces of a second ring to fill the gaps. I started using a convex flexible barrier from Coloplast. I got rid pf the barrier rings and pieces and it made changing much easier and faster for me. Call any of the suppliers amd talk to a consultant with your concerns. They will be happy to make suggestions and send you samples for free to try.

cromme50 | @cromme50 | Aug 6 1:31pm

In reply to @janetexmsrrose "Sweating makes my appliance harder to pul off when I need to change itt" + (show)

@janetexmsrrose Try a Coloplast product called "Brava adhesive remover spray".
It is magical, just about dissolves the glue from the appliance and also from band-aids that don't want to let go. A slight spray is all it takes. Use it lightly and wipe after you've removed the appliance, it will not leave a messy area.

janetexmsrrose | @janetexmsrrose | Aug 6 2:07pm

In reply to @cromme50 "@janetexmsrrose Try a Coloplast product called "Brava adhesive remover spray". It is magical, just about dissolves..." + (show)

@cromme50 thanks for the info I will try it

Lee | @leeb123 | 5 hours ago

Ive used barrier extenders, this helps and also provides some calming of the "blowout" fear.

flimzyreed47 | @flimzyreed47 | 31 minutes ago

I have a colonoscopy and I have no trouble with the flange sticking to my skin and staying on in the heat and humidity here in AZ. I wear an ostomy belt I bought off of Amazon for under $20. It hold my ostomy secure to my body. I can wear any cloths I want to wear. While I am wearing the belt I don't get the leaks or problems that I got before I started wearing my ostomy support belt.
Hope things work well for you.