It is very important to PREVENT SKIN BREAKDOWN (that is, sore, red, raw skin). The skin under the Orthosis needs to be toughened up, especially where the Orthosis presses the hardest. To accomplish this task, here are some simple tasks you will need to begin doing:

• Bathe daily (bath or shower). Hygiene is most important.
• Apply rubbing alcohol with your hands to all parts of the skin that comes in contact with the Orthosis, especially in the areas where it will press the most. Simply rub the alcohol into your skin at each point. The alcohol plus the friction between your hand and body toughen the skin. A wet tea bag may be used instead of rubbing alcohol.
• Your skin will require frequent observing during your initial break-in period. You will need to look for pink skin.
• DO NOT USE CREAMS, LOTIONS, OR POWDERS UNDER THE ORTHOSIS. They will only soften the skin.
• Always wear a cotton or cotton-blend undergarment, preferably without seams. The sleeveless men's T-shirt is usually preferred by girls. Suggested brands include Carter's for young children, Fruit of the Loom, Sears brand, and Hanes. Danskin makes a white cotton body suit of stretch material that is good, too. If you have difficulty in finding anything, we have undergarments available at an additional charge.
• If you wear the Orthosis too loosely, it will move and cause more skin problems by rubbing. WEAR YOUR ORTHOSIS AS TIGHTLY AS POSSIBLE.

If there is skin breakdown (sore, red, raw skin), the Orthosis must not be reapplied until the skin heals. This will take 24 to 48 hours. If this happens, call your Orthotist for advice. This problem may be solved over the phone. If not, we will schedule an appointment for you to be seen.

Sometimes the skin darkens over the waist and hips after prolonged wear. This is common and is not a problem. When your Orthotic treatment is completed, this coloration will go away.

Taking care of your skin requires cleaning the orthosis each day as you clean yourself. This job is your responsibility and not that of your parents.