When You Can’t Feel the Warning Signs

For people with Spina Bifida, some areas of skin may be insensate, meaning they do not feel pain, heat, or pressure in the same way. This makes skin protection especially important, because injury can happen without immediate awareness.

The Spina Bifida Association’s Integument Guideline highlights key ways to protect insensate skin, including:
• Inspecting skin daily for changes in color, texture, or temperature
• Checking weight-bearing areas closely for early signs of skin breakdown
• Avoiding prolonged pressure on at-risk areas
• Checking water temperature before bathing and using caution with hot surfaces like car seats or playground equipment
• Wearing protective clothing and properly fitting footwear over insensate areas
• Using barrier creams when needed to help protect skin from moisture related to incontinence

Because insensate skin may not signal pain or discomfort, routine checks and prevention habits are essential for reducing risk and supporting long-term skin health.

Learn more in the Spina Bifida Association’s Integument (Skin) Guideline: https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/resource/integument-skin-guideline/