**3.5 The pouching system seal**

The pouching system must stick to the skin. It's important to change it before it loosens or leaks. The length of time a pouch will stay sealed to the skin depends on many things, such as the weather, skin condition, scars, weight changes, diet, activity, body shape near the stoma, and the nature of the ostomy output.

Other factors may affect how long a pouch sticks to the skin. Among them it can be cited:

