ortho europe SkinMatch Manual
Patient leaflet
PRODUCT CARE LEAFLET
Cleaning and general maintenance instructions
You can make the most of your new SkinMatch product by ensuring you clean and
maintain it correctly. This leaflet contains guidance on how to keep your device
looking smart for as long as possible.
Our products are manufactured from ‘medical grade’ silicone which remains inert
when placed in contact with human tissue. However, to ensure that there are no
adverse skin reactions due to the buildup of perspiration, dust, soil, creams or soaps,
it is vital that proper hygiene practices are followed. If any mild skin reaction develops
due to wearing a silicone cosmesis, ask your GP or prosthetist for advice.
Cleaning instructions
Introduction
Our recommended cleaning and maintenance procedure is dependent on the type
of cosmesis you have:
Cosmesis in direct contact with your skin
Always wash your silicone cosmesis at least once a day with a mild
anti-bacterial soap in warm water. Rinse several times with clean water
to ensure that there is no soap residue on the silicone, and then dry the
product thoroughly with a clean towel. You may use a soft toothbrush
to remove dirt, but never use household cleaning chemicals.
Cosmesis without direct skin contact
Wash down in warm soapy water at least once a week, keeping the
product upright to stop water from running into the prosthetic
mechanism. If the cosmesis is soiled, you may soak it in warm, soapy
water for up to 5 minutes, and then remove the dirt by lightly brushing
with a soft toothbrush. You should never use household cleaning
chemicals to clean the cosmesis as they could damage the silicone
material properties and visual surface finish.
Partial Feet
We recommend that you immerse partial feet in clean boiled water
poured from a kettle, without addition of detergents or soap, and
leave to stand for 6-7 minutes. However, partial feet with any type of
foam inserts should instead be soaked in, and cleaned with, warm
soapy water using a mild anti-bacterial detergent.
If in doubt about how to clean your cosmesis, please consult your prosthetist.
Listed below are some guidelines that will help you to maximise the lifespan of your
silicone product.
Take care not to puncture or tear your silicone cosmesis. Fingernails, rings, sharp
objects or stones can tear the silicone surface.
Be aware that kneeling on your residual limb or endoskeletal componentry will
cause the lamination to penetrate the silicone and will subject the cosmesis to
additional wear.
Although silicone is a strong and flexible material, it is unable to tolerate large
degrees of movement. Advice from your prosthetist should be sought regard-
ing the level of activity allowed while wearing your cosmesis.
Regularly inspect your cosmesis for signs of wear or damage. If any slight
damage is made to your cosmesis, please consult your prosthetist as soon as
possible. It may be possible for a minor repair to be made using our Cosmesis
Repair Service.
Store your cosmesis out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Constant exposure to bright sunlight can affect the quality of the silicone by
fading the colour and details.
Sun tan and ‘fake’ (coloured) tanning lotions can stain the silicone. Please do
not use these products in contact with your cosmesis. However, some colourless
‘sun-block’ formulations will prevent the silicone from fading in direct sunlight. If
you are unsure, please contact your prosthetist for advice.
Avoid using skincare products containing silicone oils as they can damage your
cosmesis. However, the application of a small amount of baby oil can enhance
the appearance of your cosmesis in natural sunlight.
Following contact with salt water or chlorinated water, you must ensure that
you rinse the cosmesis cover thoroughly as soon as possible to remove any
residue. If left unwashed, the water will damage the surface of the silicone,
causing discoloration.
Avoid contact with any dyes, inks, pens or any product that could leave a stain
on the product. Silicone is partially absorbent and will stain beyond its surface if
the stains are not removed immediately.
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General care and maintenance
Address: Ability House, Nuffield Way, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1RL
Friction with most natural and artificial coloured materials can leave stains on
the silicone. You should avoid wearing any damp leather or fabric shoes or
gloves for prolonged periods. If signs of staining are noticed, please remove by
washing immediately with a mild soap solution.
Any hair details that have been included in your cosmesis must be treated with
care. The hairs may become detached with excessive rubbing and wear. Hair
detail is not covered by our warranty terms.
You may use nail polish directly onto the cosmesis nail shells. To remove the
polish, use an acetone-free nail polish remover on the nail (avoid contact with
the silicone skin). Please be aware that constant use of acetone-based nail
removers in contact with the silicone may give the clear silicone a white haze,
slightly distorting the natural nail colour effect.
Silicone covered Below Knee (BK) and Above Knee (AK) prostheses should
always be worn with shoes, especially those that have been designed for use
with a heel height. If worn unsupported, the silicone will crease and a whitening
discolouration will occur. This is especially important for bi-lateral patients, as
the legs are under extreme dorsiflexion. The only time when this is not necessary
is when the set up contains a rigid foot, such as a flex foot.
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General care and maintenance
WARRANTY
All SkinMatch High Definition silicone products are guaranteed against wear and
tear for 12 months, except for our bespoke silicone liners and digits which have a
90 day warranty. There is no warranty for acyrlic nails. Please note, misuse of your
cosmesis may invalidate the warranty.
OE-SIL-F03 Version 1.10
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