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Daily Limb Care and Hygiene

Caring for your residual limb is not very different than caring for the rest of your body, with a few exceptions.  Commonly roll-on gel liners are used as a means of suspending the prosthesis and protecting the limb while weight bearing.

Washing your residual limb, using a wash cloth, warm water and a mild antibacterial soap, is recommended at least once a day.  You want to avoid the use of soaps with deodorant properties, heavy scents or other additives.  Soaps containing these items often leave a residual residue in the pores of the skin. In the case of using a roll-on liner, these properties cannot emit and remain in the pores, which can cause a rash-like skin reaction.  If not properly treated it can result in an inability to use their prosthesis until the skin clears.   If you need to apply any creams or moisturizers to the skin, do so at night to ensure proper absorption before resuming prosthetic use.  When in doubt contact your prosthetist.