A 10-month-old infant diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) has been fitted with a Pavlik harness. During a follow-up visit, the nurse notices redness and skin breakdown under the straps. What is the most appropriate nursing action to address this complication while maintaining effective treatment?

A. Advising parents to apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointment liberally without consulting the provider is incorrect because unmonitored use of topical antibiotics may not address the underlying pressure-related irritation and could lead to infection or inappropriate treatment. Professional guidance is necessary. B. Removing the harness until the skin heals completely is incorrect because complete removal may compromise the effectiveness of hip stabilization, which is critical for successful DDH treatment. Interrupting therapy can delay correction and potentially worsen the hip alignment. C. Tightening the straps further to ensure proper positioning is incorrect because this would increase pressure on already irritated skin, worsening skin breakdown and increasing the risk of infection or further complications. D. Repositioning the straps to relieve pressure, performing skin care, and educating parents on regular skin checks is correct because it maintains effective hip positioning while preventing further skin injury. Reducing localized pressure, using gentle skin care, and teaching parents to monitor for early signs of irritation supports both treatment efficacy and patient safety.