Skin Irritation

As it’s starting to warm up (although in Southern California, it rarely gets below 70), I figured that this would be the perfect article to upload. Having a brace around your torso for most of the day can take a toll on your skin, and especially in the summer, when it’s hot, having a sweaty piece of clothing pressed against your skin can limit the amount of oxygen that your skin takes in.

I have eczema, so I have sensitive skin, which means that I often get a rash around my torso (TMI? If so, sorry...just trying to be real ;). It is important to take time out of your brace to give your skin a break - even if it is only for a few minutes. I wear a cotton tank under my brace to try to maximize the breathability for my skin under the brace). I also try to change my tank every morning and night.
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When my skin gets irritated or I have a reaction, I put Cortizone or aloe on it to soothe the itchiness of my skin. I was also prescribed an ointment (does anyone else find that word unappealing?) from my doctor that helps as well. Once that is completely absorbed into the skin, I put my brace back on. When treated properly, these rashes generally go away within a day or two, so there usually aren’t any long term damages to the skin. If there is a lasting effect of the brace on your skin, I would recommend seeing a dermatologist for further treatment.

Also, to prevent these irritations from forming in the first place, it is important to take showers frequently and clean your brace, which can be done with rubbing alcohol (look out for an article specifically for cleaning your brace, coming soon!) Good luck...and remember, we are bent, not broken! :)