Cranial Remolding Orthosis Cleaning Tips

Cranial Remolding Orthosis  Cleaning Tips

Keeping the STARband as clean as possible will help prevent as well as heal existing skin irritation. A cranial remolding orthosis provides significant coverage over your baby's head and therefore excessive sweat and perspiration can be expected, especially during the first few weeks of wear. Infants living in hot and/or humid climates will benefit from multiple cleanings each day. Keep in mind that the treatment is time limited (e.g. 3-6 months) and it's always better to clean and rise too much rather than too little.

Clean the orthosis two times per day with rubbing alcohol — once in the morning while dressing the baby and once in the evening at bath time. Use 91% alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray the orthosis well and scrub it with a white paper towel or soft toothbrush. Take time to remove the orthosis at diaper changes and wipe the inside of the orthosis and the baby's head with a damp paper towel. Pat both dry and return the orthosis to the baby's head.

• NO OINTMENTS OR LOTIONS — Make sure the parents are not applying any sort of lotion or ointment to the baby's head. Nothing should be used unless specifically instructed by the orthotist or physician.
• SHAMPOO — Use an unscented shampoo. Even if the shampoo is something the parents were using prior to the orthosis, anything with scent can be an irritant when wearing a CPO.
• For Dry Skin — Try Aveeno Baby Shampoo
• For Oily Skin — Try Johnson & Johnson's Baby Shampoo
• For Very Dry Skin — Try very small amounts of Aquaphor as needed, NOT as a preventative.
• IRRITATION — Try the strongest hydrocortisone ointment that is available over the counter. Use ONLY AS NEEDED - NOT AS A PREVENTATIVE. Once or twice should be enough to address the issue.
• In hot, humid weather: 
  • Take off helmet 4-5 times a day and wipe helmet and baby's head with a cool damp wash cloth then dry. Don't leave the helmet off more than 5 minutes.
  • With a heat rash developing, use Aveeno Baby Soothing Eczema Bath Treatment. Put half a packet in a cup with water to make a paste and apply to baby's head for approximately 20 minutes during bath time. This can be done 1-2 times a week.
  • If the above has not resolved the heat rash issues use .5% hydrocortisone cream on baby's head. Use during the 1 hour of time off to ensure it dries well.
  • If there is a major redness or any other issue just remove the helmet until you can come back in to see us.

If the above cleaning suggestions and other considerations do not work, please refer the patient back to the orthotist or physician for further assessment and recommendations. 

STARband @ Courtesy of Orthomerica Products, Inc.