Tips for dealing with ostomy odour

Bathroom odours are something we all worry about, whether you have a stoma or not. One advantage of having a stoma is that there are a few things you can do to deal with it and put your own mind at rest!

First, let me start by saying that ostomy bags DON’T SMELL. No one can smell it when you’re out and about. This was definitely something I worried about at first but quickly learnt wasn’t true.

Stoma bags are fitted with filters to deal with gas and odour so you never smell it (unless you have a bag leak and you can read my tips for bag leaks here!).

However, the smell worries normally come into play when you’re either emptying your bag or doing a full bag change so here are my tips and tricks for dealing with ostomy odour!

Limone Ostomy Deodorant Spray

This spray is a must for anyone with a stoma. It is a simple little deodorant which you spray when you either empty your bag or change it and it completely removes the smell, leaving a fresh lemon scent.

What’s brilliant about this spray is it does completely remove the smell, rather than covering it up for a while, and its compact size means you can easily keep it in your bag when you’re out.

The spray is available from SecuriCare and CliniMedaffectand you can find out more by ringing SecuriCare (0800 585 125 (new customers) / 0800 318 965 (existing customers))

How does food affect ostomy odour

Some foods cause more odour than others and if you are extremely concerned about it, then you could look at what you’re eating.

However, I don’t think you should stop eating foods you like and/or are good for you purely because you’re conscious about the smell as there are other options. Foods which can cause more odour are;

• Asparagus
• Baked Beans
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cod liver oil
• Eggs
• Fish
• Garlic
• Onions
• Peanut butter
• Some vitamins
• Strong cheese

It’s also key to note that food effects all ostomates differently and it really is a trial and error

Using essential oils to neutralise ostomy odour

Now I haven’t actually tried this method myself however, I am quite tempted to try to see how it works as I’ve heard great things.

I have read many things about putting a few drops of peppermint oil at the bottom of your bag and it will neutralise the smell from your bag. I’ve also had friends use lavender oil as well; you’ll have the freshest smelling poo!

Do you use products to deal with ostomy odour? Leave your product recommendations in the comments below ❤️

Ostomy section of KTMY sponsored by Clinimed & SecuriCare