Maximizing ostomy care for your summer lifestyle

The great outdoors is waiting for you and your ostomy. Ostomates around the world swim, cycle, run marathons, surf and climb mountains — having an ostomy shouldn't keep you from a day at the beach or a pool. Here's how to prepare for a summer of it.

Start with hydration

Heat makes fluid loss the first thing to manage, especially if you have an ileostomy.

• Carry a water bottle and sip regularly through the day

• Ask your provider about oral rehydration solutions such as DripDrop or Liquid IV

• Learn the signs and symptoms of dehydration, and act early

Before you get in the water

Your pouch is designed to be waterproof when it's well adhered, so the work happens beforehand.

• Eat a few hours before a water activity, and empty the pouch right before you get in

• Change your pouch 12 or more hours ahead if it's nearing its wear time — never apply a fresh wafer just before a water event

• Make sure the skin barrier is securely attached and any tape borders are firmly sealed. Waterproof tape or water-specific barrier strips add reassurance but aren't necessary

• Cover the filter or vent with waterproof tape or the sticker provided, to keep the filter working

• If you're unsure how the seal will hold, take a practice soak in your bathtub first

Heat, sweat and sun

• Dry your skin thoroughly before applying a new barrier, and consider barrier extenders or waterproof tape if you're sweating heavily

• Wear breathable clothing and sunscreen, and stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day

• Keep supplies out of the heat — hot cars and windowsills ruin adhesive

Build a small ostomy kit

One of the most useful things you can own. It makes travel, work, festivals and day trips far less stressful. Keep it somewhere cool, in a waterproof compact pouch or organizer:

• One or two spare pouching systems

• Adhesive remover wipes, barrier wipes or rings

• Disposal bags, a small towel or tissues

• Waterproof tape or barrier strips

• Odor-control drops or spray, hand sanitizer

Dressing for summer

Specialized ostomy garments are not necessary. Many ostomates find high-waisted underwear plus a simple wrap gives enough comfort and discretion to wear ordinary shorts, jeans, dresses, athletic wear and swimwear.

• Choose breathable natural fibers — cotton, linen, bamboo — or moisture-wicking athletic fabrics if you're active

• High-waisted shorts and pants often sit above the pouch

• Prints and textured fabrics make outlines less noticeable than solid, clingy ones

• Wrap and A-line dresses work well; camp shirts, polos and untucked button-downs give airflow, and a slightly looser shirt lets the pouch fill naturally

Swimwear

High-waisted swim bottoms, tankinis, one-piece suits, or swim trunks with compression shorts underneath. Swim wraps and swim-specific support garments are available, and patterned fabrics conceal better.

Commercial products by activity

Everyday comfort: OstomySecrets, SIIL, Ostomy Vanilla Blush. Exercise and sport: Stealth Belt, Comfizz. Swimming: SIIL Ostomy, OstomySecrets Swim, Comfizz Swim.

Enjoy the sun, stay safe, and live life to the fullest.