I hope Howard is okay now. My friend's husband had a (temporary) colostomy bag after he had a successful operation and treatment for bowel cancer. Occasionally, his stoma would become irritated, red and sore, but he gained enormous relief by applying a thin layer of moisturising baby cream - like Amolin, the stuff a lot of Mum's use for nappy rash - on the outside of the actual opening. He only used the tiniest amount (so as to not interfere with the attachment of his bag), but it provided a fantastic natural and healing barrier against even the smallest leakage of acidic fluid.
Also, if your Howard's bothered or embarrassed by odours, for example if you are out visiting friends, you can now buy small (pen-like) spray air fresheners designed for carrying in a shirt pocket or handbag. I think these are a fabulous invention. I can't remember how many sprays there are in the one little canister, but I can see how it could be very useful.
I used to be a nurse, so I can say with confidence, that like many things, once a care routine is established, it will become easier to manage. I hope this helps.
