The winter season can be difficult for ostomates; it’s cold outside and seems like everything we do is a battle against the weather. 

Winter can affect ostomates in a variety of ways. The cold weather can have a drying effect on your equipment and your skin, it can cool your pouch, layers of clothing can be restrictive, and supply deliveries can be delayed when bad weather strikes. Despite these challenges, though, it is more than possible to be an active ostomate during the winter.

In this blog post, we discuss some tips for staying active and enjoying winter with your ostomy.

1. Stay warm and dress appropriately

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it is so important. Make sure you dress warmly when going outside in winter. Wear layers and protect your extremities (hands, feet and head) from the elements. 

Finding the right clothes to support your stoma and abdomen is key.

Some ostomates find it helpful to use a heating pad on their stoma to keep it warm. If you're using a pouching system, make sure the heating is turned off before attaching the pouch to your skin, as excessive heat can be dangerous.

Tips to stay warm in the winter:

• Dress in layers
• Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves
• Use a heating pad or portable heater
• Drink warm liquids

… Do the above, and there’s no reason you can’t get out and about even when the temperature drops.

2. Exercise indoors

Who said staying active had to mean going outside? Many ostomates find pleasure in a simple treadmill walk or using an elliptical machine at the local gym.

If you are not comfortable going to a public gym, consider investing in some home fitness equipment. There are many affordable options available and most of them don't take up much space.

Alternatively, if you are the type of person who enjoys group classes, many gyms offer a variety of indoor classes such as yoga, pilates and spinning. Classes like these are also a great place to meet people, which can be really motivating. Just make sure to tell the instructor about your stoma so they are aware and can make adjustments as required.

Tips for exercising indoors:

• Go for a walk on the treadmill or use the elliptical machine
• Invest in at-home fitness equipment
• Take indoor classes at your local gym
• Try a workout DVD

3. Get creative with winter activities

The winter season can be a great time to get creative and try new activities — and there are plenty of seasonal sports perfect for cold-weather days. Maybe you've always wanted to learn how to ski or snowboard? Or maybe you would like to take up ice skating?

There are many fun winter activities that ostomates can enjoy. Just be sure to choose something that you are comfortable with and one that doesn't involve excessive physical activity.

Creative winter activity ideas:

• Ski or snowboard (a dry ski slope works just as well as the mountains!)
• Ice skate
• Go for a walk on a crisp, sunny morning.

4. Take care of your ostomy during winter

The cold weather can be hard on ostomates. Stomas are often more sensitive in winter and skin irritation is much more likely as a result of the dry air.

That’s why you should take extra care of your ostomy during this time of year. Use a good-quality moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and avoid using harsh soaps that can dry out your skin.

If you're having trouble with skin irritation, talk to your stoma nurse about what might be causing the problem. There are over-the-counter and prescription medications available that can help address skin care challenges in ostomates; ask your stoma nurse for advice. A two-pronged approach in skin care involves firstly, preventing skin stripping with a Medical Adhesive Remover like Lifteez and simultaneously protecting the peristomal skin with a product like Medi Derma-S Barrier Film.

Ostomy care tips for winter:

• Use a good quality moisturiser
• Avoid using harsh soaps
• Talk to your stoma nurse about skin irritation problems
• Use over-the-counter or prescription medications as per the advice of your stoma nurse

Live life to the fullest

Winter can be a difficult time for ostomates, but with proper precautions, it is possible to stay active and enjoy the season. Stay warm, dress appropriately, exercise indoors, get creative with winter activities and definitely take care of your ostomy during winter. And why not join our community by heading to the Patient Portal on our website for more updates and tips?