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    Your colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy doesn't have to prevent you from travelling.

    Experiencing new things is often the reason for traveling — but when it comes to feeling secure and comfortable, it would be nice to keep the surprises to a minimum. Leaving your home base requires that you make some extra preparations for both your journey and stay – but it doesn't have to hold you back. 

    To travel is to live

    woman checking off travel guide

    The ultimate travel guide

    It can be a very rewarding experience to travel and discover firsthand how you can still do what you want – with a little extra preparation. In this travel guide you will find some tips and tricks that might help you – before and during your vacation. Sign up to receive your travel kit
    travel certificate for airport

    Get a travel certificate

    Prevent trouble at security by bringing a travel certificate - it explains your condition, the medical supplies you are carrying and why you might need support and privacy as you go through security. Sign up to receive your travel certificate
    suitcase packed and ready for holiday

    Pack smart – and arrive with everything you need

    We've created this packing list including must-haves, what to remember if travelling by plane, what to bring for a holiday by the beach, in the city or maybe outdoors, ostomy specific supplies, personal items and hygiene, clothing & accessories, gadgets, etc. Sign up to receive your ostomy packing list

    Stoma tips in the heat, travelling and when swimming

    applying barrier

    Warm climate and sunscreen affects the adhesive

    Warm climate and sunscreen can affect the adhesion, but help is here - there are a few things you can do to make the barrier stick better. Tips and tricks for good adhesion
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    Tips and tricks for good adhesion

    Warm climate

    If the climate is warm enough to make you perspire more than usual, the barrier might lose adhesion and you may need to change your pouch more frequently.

    Make sure your skin is completely dry before you apply a new barrier for good adhesion. It can be a bit tricky if the weather is very hot and humid – if drying your skin is difficult, you can use a hairdryer on low heat to dry the area (but be careful that it does not get too hot and keep it away from the stoma itself).

    Sun lotion

    Apply sunscreen after you put on your barrier, as the lotion could affect the baseplate and make it harder to stick. Read about applying sunscreen in the 'use sunscreen' section.

    Storage

    We recommend that your supplies are stored in a cool place – do not leave your ostomy products e.g. in the car for long periods during hot weather, since the heat may damage the adhesion.

    Talk to your stoma nurse – and get the products you need

    When spending time in a warmer climate you might need a few more supporting products than usual. For some people a skin barrier that helps the adhesive stick better can be very helpful, and if it is the edges not sticking properly an elastic tape can be a possible solution. Some benefit from using a antiperspirant on the skin in the area to be covered by the adhesive.

    It is always a good idea to talk to your stoma nurse before going if you have any questions. 

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    Swimming with an ostomy

    What to think about when swimming

    Going swimming can be a big thing when you have an ostomy – what to wear? Will the baseplate stick? Read a few tips here. Tips for beach wear and swimming
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    Tips for beach wear and swimming

    What should you wear for beach - and swimwear?

    The most important is that you wear something that makes you feel good – feel as you. Some people do not mind showing their bag when going to the beach, whereas some prefer covering up. Do what makes you feel the best. Unfortunately, buying specialty swimwear is no guarantee of a good fit. On the other hand, you might be able to find regular swimwear that fits your need perfectly. 

    On the beach, a sarong or wrap can be a great way to gracefully cover up without feeling out of place.

    And if you would like to wear a bikini – you should do so.

    Swimming

    Always make sure that the barrier sticks properly before going swimming – give it some time after applying. Be aware that the water can affect the adhesion negatively, so make sure to change your product more frequently if needed. For some people it can be helpful to use supporting products when going swimming – using a skin barrier that helps the adhesive stick better can be very helpful, and if it’s the edges not sticking properly an elastic tape can be a possible solution.

    It is always a good idea to talk to your stoma nurse before going if you have any questions. You are also welcome to contact one of our call specialists on 0800 783 1434.

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    Travelling abroad with a stoma

    Travelling by plane with an ostomy

    You may have some concerns if you are travelling by plane – what do you do in the security check? Can the bag explode under air pressure? Or what about noises? Tips for flying
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    Tips for flying

    Before you go

    When booking your ticket: it might be a good idea to book a seat near the toilet as it might help take away some of your concerns and make you feel more confident as well.

    You can bring as much as you can in your hand luggage within the requirements of the airline, but since you will not be allowed to bring scissors in your hand luggage we recommend that you cut all your baseplates to the right size before you fly.

    Going through security

    The security scanner might detect your pouch, but you do not have to show your pouch, and security should not ask you to remove clothing to expose it or let them touch it. You may be asked to rub your hand against the pouch on the outside of your clothes, but that should be the extent of the examination. You can always show them your travel certificate, which explains your condition, the medical supplies you are carrying and why you might need support and privacy.

    In the air

    There is a slight risk that the pressure will cause the pouch to balloon. If this should happen all you need to do is go into the bathroom and take out the air. And remember that just as often ballooning is caused by something you ate or drank – so when you're flying be extra careful with carbonated drinks. If you are a little self-conscious about noise from the pouch, you will be pleasantly surprised by how noisy an airplane cabin is.

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    Food, diet and your ostomy

    Sun Safety

    people sitting in the shade

    Seek shade

    Staying in the shade is an effective way to reduce sun exposure - especially between 10AM and 4PM when the sun is at the highest point. Shade and UV radiation
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    Shade and UV radiation

    References

    http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/preventing-skin-cancer/

    Did you know that skin can burn in just 15 minutes in the summer sun?

    Staying in the shade is an effective way to reduce sun exposure. You can use trees or built shade structures, or bring your own umbrella to the park, beach, etc.!

    Whatever you use for shade, make sure it casts a dark shadow. Though being in the shade it is still recommended that you use other protection - such as clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.

     

    These guidelines are not exhaustive and you should always seek advice and guidance from professional if you have any doubts.

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    woman bathing with an ostomy

    Use sunscreen

    If you want to safely spend time by the beach, in the garden or at the pool it's a good idea to first spend time buying and applying sunscreen. What you need to know about sunscreen
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    What you need to know about sunscreen

    References

    http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/preventing-skin-cancer/http://www.cancer.org/research/infographicgallery/skin-cancer-prevention

    What you need to know about sunscreen

    • Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30+ (or higher) – SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays.
    • Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors.
    • Apply every two hours afterwards.
    • Apply sunscreen liberally – at least a teaspoon for each limb, front and back of the body and half a teaspoon for the face, neck and ears.
    • Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen resulting in only 50-80% of the protection stated on the product.
    • Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.

    What does SPF and water resistant mean?

    • SPF means sun protection factor and is a measure of how well it protects the skin from sunburn. A 30 SPF sunscreen would provide 30 times the protection of no sunscreen. Sunscreens need to be applied liberally to achieve the SPF protection claimed on the label.
    • Water resistant means that it does not come off the skin during swimming or exercise, provided it is not wiped off. The FDA defines water resistant sunscreen as meaning that the SPF level stays effective after 40 minutes in the water. While a label may state a sunscreen is '4 hours water resistant', sunscreen still needs to be applied every two hours to maintain the same level of protection and if you are taking a dip regularly you also need to reapply.

     

    These guidelines are not exhaustive and you should always seek advice and guidance from professional if you have any doubts.

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    man running on a bridge

    Wear a hat and sunglasses

    A hat protects areas that are exposed to intense sun, and sunglasses are important for protecting the skin around the eyes, and the eyes themselves. Read what hat and sunglasses are ideal
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    Read what hat and sunglasses are ideal

    References

    http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/preventing-skin-cancer/http://www.cancer.org/research/infographicgallery/skin-cancer-prevention

    What to think about when choosing your new hat?

    How do you know that your sunglasses are UV-blocking?

    UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves, so here are a few tips before buying new ones.

    • The ideal sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
    • There will most likely be a label on the glasses stating they protect against UV rays – if in doubt ask an optician.*
    • Darker glasses are not necessarily better because UV protection comes from an invisible chemical in or applied to the lenses, not from the colour or darkness of the lenses. 
    • Sunglasses should be worn outside during daylight hours.
    • Sunglasses are as important for children as they are for adults. 

     

    *The standards may differentiate from country to country why you should check up on local recommendations before you go.

     

    These guidelines are not exhaustive and you should always seek advice and guidance from professional if you have any doubts.

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    sensura mio barrier

    SenSura® Mio

    SenSura Mio has an elastic adhesive to fit your body shape, a natural grey colour for discretion and a full-circle filter that reduces ballooning. Request your free sample
    ostomy accessories Brava range

    What's right for you?

    Our range of Brava® products are designed to reduce leakage and take care of your skin. Try free samples

    Register with Coloplast Charter and receive exclusive access to support and tips on managing your life with a stoma

    Disclaimer

    These are general guidelines meant to help you with typical questions. You should follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

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