Which practice helps prevent skin irritation during NMES sessions?

• A. Place electrodes on rough, dry skin.
• B. Apply lotion under electrodes.
• C. Use electrodes on irritated skin.
• D. Maintain good contact, inspect skin before and after, and follow electrode care protocols.

Answer: (D)

Preventing skin irritation during NMES comes down to how you manage the electrode-skin interface and monitor the skin. When the electrode makes solid, even contact with clean, properly prepared skin, current distributes more evenly and the power density at the skin stays within safe limits, reducing the chance of burns or irritation. Regularly inspecting the skin before and after the session helps you spot redness, breakdown, or irritation early, so you can adjust electrode placement, contact, or treatment settings promptly. Following electrode care protocols—clean and dry skin, using suitable electrodes and conductive medium, and keeping equipment in good condition—helps maintain consistent impedance and safe, comfortable stimulation. Placing electrodes on rough, dry skin can increase friction and microtrauma, and using lotion under the electrodes can alter impedance and create hotspots or cause improper adhesion. Placing electrodes on irritated skin is likely to worsen irritation and raise burn risk.