A stoma cap is the smallest bag you can use to manage your ostomy. While it is not technically a bag, the reason we call it an ostomy bag is a similar method of wearing it.
Nearly all manufacturers of ostomy supplies produce stoma caps. You can buy these caps in one-piece or two-piece varieties as well. Other options that you can consider while buying stoma caps are filters, mechanical coupling with a lock, clear or transparent options, and adhesive coupling systems.
When to use a stoma cap?
Stoma caps are ideal when your top priority is discretion. You can use this cap when:
- Swimming
- Exercising or engaging in other intense physical workouts
- During a fitness competition
A lot many people wear stoma caps and continue to enjoy their everyday activities. You can also wear this cap when you have to cover a relatively inactive mucus fistula.
How to use a stoma cap
The procedure of using a stoma cap is the same as that of an ostomy appliance, so there won’t be a learning curve if you decide on using this cap on some occasions. A few fundamental steps involved in the application of a stoma cap are the following.
- Clean the area around the stoma. Shave off the hair if necessary.
- Prepare the stoma cap. If you are using a cut-to-fit skin barrier, cut a hole in the flange to make it adjust around your stoma nicely. You can also use a pre-cut stoma cap if your stoma has a regular shape.
- Remove the plastic liner from the back of the stoma cap. Underneath the liner is the adhesive side that goes against the peristomal skin.
- Apply this cap to the skin. While applying, make sure that you are not leaving behind any wrinkles. You can start applying from the bottom to see the entire process of application. Alternatively, you can use a mirror to look at the entire peristomal skin area.
- Check for any wrinkles. If there are some, press them to make sure there is no passageway for the stomal output to seep through.
- Cover the stoma cap for a minute or two with your palms. The warmth of your hand will help the adhesive to settle into the fissures of your skin.
Since a stoma cap is closed, you won’t be able to drain your stomal output. This cap is ideal only for people with colostomies who irrigate their ostomies.
If you are using one-piece ostomy caps, you will have to remove the entire cap by pulling it off the skin. A two-piece stoma cap allows you to remove the cap without peeling off the skin barrier.
If you are concerned about odors, you can use a stoma cap with a filter. You will have to follow some rules, though.
If you want to use a stoma cap, the first thing you have to do is to ask your doctor or ostomy care nurse whether it is a wise choice. Your doctor may approve or disapprove of your decision depending on your condition, preferences, and other circumstances.
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