Q. What is your motivation for bringing these products to the market?

A. As I adjusted to losing my leg and I began to go to the O & P companies, I noticed that no one was addressing the issues we face with skincare in an All Natural and Healthy way. I had a rough experience with the Company, which made my first leg, it simply didn’t fit right and it caused a host of problems from skin breakdowns to constant infections, all because it was improperly fitted and they would take no input from me. I found a new O & P company called Next Step O & P. You will find their link on this site. Next Step, in my opinion, is one of the finest O & P Companies on the east coast. They have been featured all over this Country for their innovative work. Since coming to Next Step, the owners, Peter Couture and Matt Albuquerque, were so concerned because of the bad experience that I had as a new amputee, that for two and a half years they have personally made my prosthetic legs. They could have given the work to their employees. I mean, they are busy running three offices throughout New England, yet they cared enough about me to take the time and make sure things were done right. They have made five devices for me due to limb shrinkage and yet they still make them personally. They told me when I mentioned making all natural products for amputees to help with skincare, that no one was filling this need! I was shocked and that is why I am doing this. As a Baptist Evangelist, my life has been spent trying to help others and when there is a need I try, with the Lord’s help and guidance to address it. They recently gave me six (6) industry periodicals and I couldn’t find one product advertisement addressing the residual limb skincare issues we face daily. All I found was a topical pain gel. Hence, the “Limb Defense” & “Super Skin Defense product lines came into existence.

Q. What do you believe you have achieved?

A. I believe we have created products, which will give folks the best defense against infection, with all natural healing properties. Do I believe every instance of infection will be avoided? Of course not, but we, as amputees need the best tools available to help us live as comfortable, fulfilling, and mobile a life as possible.

Q. What makes these all natural products different?

A. There are no toxic chemicals or industrial solvents, antibiotics or steroids used to achieve bacterial, fungal or viral control and maintenance of your residual limb. We use the finest Grapefruit Seed Extract, Chamomile, Aloe, Vitamins E & C, Calendula Flower Extract, and Melaleuca Alternifolia Oil (tea tree oil) known worldwide for it’s anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory healing properties. Each ingredient was selected for its unique healing property, giving you and I, a good Defense as the best Offense against recurring problems on our limb sites.

Q. What is so special about Tea Tree Oil?

A. Around the world this oil has been used for thousands of years as an aid in healing a variety of health problems since discovered by the Aborigines of Australia. The Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree produces the most potent and pure form of this essential oil, out of the over 300 types of tea trees available. We use the highest pharmaceutical grade available, as approved for use by the Australian Government. It is one of the greatest all natural remedies created by God on the market today. One of Melaleuca Alternifolia (tea tree) Leaf Oil’s greatest attributes is its ability to penetrate below the skin and do its work.

Q. Can I wash my limb and liner with this product?

A. Yes! You may also wash your silicon sleeve as well. I have been using the finished liquid wash since its formulation was completed in March of 2007 and have noticed no ill effects upon the silicon liners or sleeves. I also have not been afflicted with any recent infections since using this formulation.

Q. What about your Skin Conditioner & Moisturizer?

A. It contains all of the same main ingredients as our wash, in order to supplement or work in conjunction with one another. The lotion will hydrate the skin and help to rid you of dry skin patches, abrasions, or skin irritations caused by your prosthetic device. It also penetrates and leaves no residual film on the skin. Simply apply as needed. I use it after my shower and definitely at night when I have removed my prosthetic leg for the day.

Q. How many products do you offer?

A. We began with two and are slowing adding to this, you will see we have 7 new product formulations in the Future Product Section on our web site which we hope we will be able to bring to the marketplace in the next 6-12 months as we grow. We have just added “Super Skin Defense Psoriasis/Eczema Healing Salve” to our existing product line and have received great reviews as to its effectiveness.