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FAQaboutDermaFlex™
silicone leg skins
Q:How do we put them on?
A:Spray a generous amount of alcohol inside the leg skin and also on the foot of the prosthesis. With a little practice you will be able to don DermaFlex™in under two minutes!
Over the Heel:
Do not stretch the skin too tight over the heel. If the density of the color particles in the skin appears less on the heel, then you pulled the skin too tight. To fix this simply pull the skin down a little over the heel in the other direction.
Q:Do I need a heat gun?
A:Heat will have no effect on expanding the skin – it is not needed. It will stretch by itself once you pull it on using alcohol.
Q:The skin looks too small to fit; did I get the wrong size?
A:DermaFlex™is so stretchable, you can pull it over your head if you use enough alcohol to lubricate it. We determine size by foot size (in centimeters) only, see instruction sheet for size chart.
Q:What kind of foam can I use?
A:You will need to use medium density foam or firmer, some examples are:
Sculpting foam strips for shaping:
1)Plastazote medium to firm density foam
2)Pelite, or bocklite, medium to firm density foam
Prefab Pre-formed shapes
1)Seattle medium to firm density
2)Swanson medium to firm density
Q:I have to use soft foam on my AK’s, now what?
A:SinceDermaFlex™will compress the soft foam, you will need to build up the foam first.
Q:What glue do you recommend?
A:Alatheia’s DermaFlex™glue works the best. It’s inexpensive and will last a long time. If you’re in a pinch, some people have used super glues and silicone adhesives. However, keep in mind that silicone adhesives will take a long time to dry and the super glue bond will not last long. Some people also use barge on the last 3 to 4 inches of the proximal edge and say it works for them.
Q:How do I glue them?
A:Alatheia’s DermaFlex™glue comes with instructions. If you did not get them, please call our toll free number and we’ll fax them to you.
Q:Can I leave it long without gluing it?
A:Yes. You may be surprised to discover that some of your patients may like the skin left long because it has a smoother transition. Since no other skin out there lets you do this, it may take getting used to.
Q:Are they COMPLETELY waterproof?
A:Yes! Wearers can walk in a pond with them on. However please inform them to always wear something on the foot. It is not good to walk on rough surfaces like a pool deck / sidewalk.
Q:Do you make them in AK two pieces?
A:Yes, DermaFlex™ is available in a discontinuous/two piece AK, so gait will not be affected.
Q:Are they repairable?
A:Yes! For small punctures you can simple fill with calking silicone (from your local hardware store). For larger cuts, you may need to take the skin off and glue (with silicone) a piece of fabric on the inside behind the cut.
Q:What will stain them?
A:DermaFlex™ is virtually stain proof. Only permanent dyes and markers will stain it. If this happens try cleaning with solvents, if that doesn’t work, send it to us - we can remove it.
Q:How should the patient clean it?
A:Soap and water, and maybe some alcohol once in a while.
Q:What about toes?
A:Alatheia has several toe options; please call our toll free number to hear them.
Q:How are they considered medically necessary?
A:In addition to protecting the components and your handy work, DermaFlex™ is waterproof so your patients can use their prostheses as shower legs. They could be slippery when wet however, so appropriate shower footwear is required. Also, incontinent patients will be protected from urine saturation and corrosion.
Q:How do we take them off?
A:Spray a generous amount of alcohol on the outside of the leg skin and pull the skin down over the lubricated area.
Alatheia Prosthetics
504 Grants Ferry Rd. ■ Brandon, MS39047 ■ tel: 601 919.2113 ■ fax: 601 919.2114 ■