We recommend first watching the ThumbGuard instructional video.

1. What if my child can remove their thumb from underneath the ThumbGuard??

2. What if my child can remove their fingers from FingerGuard??

3. What if my child develops redness / irritation / or other skin reactions? What if I see moisture collecting inside the tube?

4. My child has switched from thumb to finger sucking, or vice-versa. OR, my child switched which fingers they suck. What do I do now?

What if my child can remove their thumb from underneath the ThumbGuard?

This usually means that the 2 long extensions are not adjusted properly (the tightness of the bracelet is used only to prevent the entire device from coming off). One narrower extension is threaded through a hole in another, wider one. This intersection of extensions is what determines where the tube sits on the child’s hand: either close to the base of the thumb, or higher up, which allows the child to remove their thumb from underneath. In order to make the tube sit lower on the hand, you must thread the narrower extension through a hole higher up (or closer to the tube) on the wider one. Next, thread the bracelet through the first available holes outside of this intersection, and through the higher hole on the short extension (which extends from the tube). Before you secure the bracelet, pull the entire appliance down, so that the tube sits as low as possible on the thumb. Secure the bracelet on the thinnest part of the wrist, as tight as possible without cutting circulation (i.e. there should be some slack).
There are some key signs that the device is being worn correctly:

1. The intersection of the narrow and wide extensions takes place on the back of the wrist, opposite the thumb.
2. The intersection of the narrow and wide extensions takes place on the thinnest part of the wrist.
3. The tube covering the thumb does not move when pulled.
4. The child’s hand is not contorted: meaning the tightness does not deform the child’s hand.

If, after ensuring that the device has been adjusted properly, your child can still remove their thumbs, then you can try the following ideas, which all attempt to prevent the thumb from bending.
Wrap several layers of non-stretching medical tape around the thumb knuckle. If your child can still bend their thumbs, place a popsicle stick / tongue depressor on the thumb before wrapping it with tape. This will create a makeshift splint, which prevents the thumb from bending.

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What if my child can remove their fingers from FingerGuard?

If the child can remove the FingerGuard, the first step is to ensure that the device has been adjusted properly. Begin by choosing a set of holes higher up on the extension, closer to the tubes, to thread the bracelet through. Pull down the entire appliance, so that the tubes sit as low as possible on the hand without causing discomfort. It is important that the bracelet is wrapped around the thinnest part of the wrist.
If after making these adjustments the child can still remove the FingerGuard, then you can use some non-stretching medical tape, wrapped several times around the bottom, lower knuckles, to prevent the child from bending their fingers.

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What if my child develops redness / irritation / or other skin reactions? What if I see moisture collecting inside the tube?

Although this happens very rarely, it is possible among younger children with very sensitive skin. This happens because a great deal of moisture or condensation accumulates in a confined space, which allows the skin to become softened, chafed, and potentially irritated. It has nothing to do with the material of the guard, as we use an fda-listed, medical grade plastic with no harmful chemicals. If you notice redness, stop using the device and let the area heal. Once the skin is dry, the area should heal quickly, and over the counter remedies can make the area heal even faster.
Once the area has healed, you can resume using the device, but take the following precautionary steps:

1. Always ensure that the skin underneath the appliance is dry and clean. If the area becomes wet, you can either remove the device and clean it (with soap and water, then dried thoroughly), or air dry it with a hair dryer, while the child is wearing it.
2. To prevent irritation due to moisture, use any standard hydrophobic cream (like Vaseline, desitin, or any other diaper-rash ointment). Apply a very thin layer over the affected area, either on the skin of the thumb or finger, underneath the tube.
3. You can prevent excess moisture from building by punching small, ¼ inch holes in the tube, using a hole punch. This will improve air flow and prevent condensation from forming.

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My child has switched from thumb to finger sucking, or vice-versa. OR, my child switched which fingers they suck. What do I do now?

This is more common among children who are younger than 3, and is a sign that the habit has not yet fully matured. It is our experience that it is best to wait 6 months to allow the habit to settle (the child will choose a particular digit or digits to suck, and suck no others), and then target that specific area with the corresponding product.

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