Skin care is about more than your face. It’s difficult to take care of the skin on your body, though, when it’s under a back brace all day.
The skin beneath your brace is subject to a buildup of sweat, bacteria, and changing temperatures that can cause rashes and discomfort. Uncover ways to take care of your skin if you wear a back brace to keep your skin safe.
Who Benefits From Bracing?
Bracing primarily treats scoliosis in adolescents whose spines are still growing and show a curve between 25 and 40 degrees. A brace applies pressure to the convex portion of the spine in hopes of improving mobility. Still, people with conditions other than scoliosis may benefit from brace wear. These conditions include:
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated disk
- Osteoarthritis
- Spondylitis
- Vertebral compression fracture
- Muscle strain
- Post-operative healing
Types of Back Braces
Several different types of back braces exist. Some are more rigid than others and some are designed for night vs. day wear. Older models are made of hard plastic and keep the spine in a stiff position. The most common braces in use today are:
- Boston brace
- Wilmington brace
- Rigo-Cheneau brace
- Milwaukee brace
- Whisper brace
- Charleston bending brace
Skin Care Tips While Bracing
It’s important to take care of your skin while wearing a brace. Use antibacterial soaps and wash often to prevent rashes. Be patient when wearing your brace as it may take some time to get used to. Taking care of your skin can help. The most important things you should do are:
- Wear a shirt under the brace
- Keep your skin clean
- Apply rubbing alcohol to your skin where it touches the brace
Taking Care of Your Back Brace
In addition to caring for your skin, you must take care of your brace as well. Use rubbing alcohol each day to wipe down the brace where it touches your skin. At least once per week, clean the entire brace with soap and water. Remove pads and straps before washing individual parts and let the entire thing dry before putting it back on.
Pro Tip: Most patients wear their brace for a while and may notice wear and tear. If the straps look worn or plastic becomes chipped and discolored, talk to your doctor about replacements.
You can take care of your skin if you wear a back brace with rubbing alcohol, soap, and water. Tend to your skin and your brace daily to prevent a rash or inflammation. Embrace your skin as you adapt to bracing.
