Tips for preventing skin problems when using prostheses

A well-fitting prosthesis makes movement possible, but the health of your skin plays a crucial role in this. Wearing an arm prosthesis or leg prosthesis every day puts a lot of strain on your skin, especially during prolonged use, sports, or hot weather. Pressure, friction, and moisture can lead to skin irritation or other complaints. Fortunately, many skin problems can be prevented with the right guidance.

At Amputee Care Center, we manufacture arm and leg prostheses with precision and provide daily guidance to people who want to move comfortably and carefree with their prosthesis. Our goal is always to improve your quality of life. We would like to invite you for a no-obligation introductory meeting or a free second opinion if you suffer from skin problems when wearing a prosthesis.

Why does the prosthetist at the Amputee Care Center always check your stump first?

At the Amputee Care Center (by Spronken), we take skin irritation on your amputation stump seriously. It is a common issue with leg amputations, often caused by friction, poor fit, allergies, sweating, or infections. We always start by checking the alignment of your prosthesis and the fit of the socket to detect pressure points and friction, which can lead to redness, sores, or calluses. During the inspection, we check your skin for abnormalities, give tips on hygiene, and adjust your prosthesis for optimal comfort. Regular check-ups at home and self-inspection with a mirror ensure quick action. Prosthesis wearers at the Amputee Care Center enjoy personalized follow-up by a prosthetist. We offer holistic care with expert advice for our prosthesis wearers.

Why can skin problems arise when using a prosthesis?

The skin of your stump (remaining limb) often has a lot to endure. Wearing a prosthesis causes constant pressure, perspiration, limited ventilation, and sometimes friction. This can make the skin more sensitive.

The most common causes of skin complaints are:

• Small changes in the volume of the residual limb, resulting in a poor fit.
• Poorly fitting prosthetic socket
• Accumulation of moisture and bacteria
• Friction between the skin, liner, and socket
• A dirty or worn liner or stocking
• Fungal infection

How can you prevent skin problems and pain caused by your prosthetic socket?

By taking preventive measures against skin problems and having a prosthetic socket measured and customized with precision, you can prevent minor issues from developing into serious complaints. At Amputee Care Center, every prosthetic socket is precision-made and fully customized. A precisely fitting socket is crucial for an optimal fit and prevents skin problems or complaints. In addition to the fit of the socket, the fit of the liner is also essential. Get advice and discover new possibilities!

Make an appointment for a no-obligation consultation

We analyze your gait pattern with advanced tools such as cameras, pressure plates, or a treadmill to measure pressure distribution, asymmetries, muscle activity, and abnormalities in your gait. This helps us fine-tune the prosthesis, prevent skin irritation, and optimize your movement. Come by for a free check and feel the difference!

Make an appointment for a free gait analysis

Have your socket, liner, and prosthesis adjusted annually

During the free annual check-up of your prosthesis, the prosthetists at the Amputee Care Center ensure that your prosthesis remains in top condition and your socket remains comfortable. A perfectly fitting (conforming) leg or arm prosthesis is the first step toward optimal prosthetic comfort.

In addition, we provide total care for prosthesis users. Holistic prosthesis care at the Amputee Care Center, BeNeLux headquarters in Genk, Belgium, is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that not only optimizes your socket and prosthesis, but also supports your physical health, mental well-being, social life, and overall quality of life, from amputation to long-term prosthesis use.

Daily skin checks as a basis

One of the most important steps in preventing problems is checking your skin every day. Take the time to do this consciously, preferably when putting on and taking off your prosthesis.

Pay attention to:

• Redness that does not go away
• Sores or blisters
• Painful or warm spots
• Wounds or cracks
• Unpleasant-smelling skin

By recognizing small signs early on, you can often prevent more serious complaints. If you are unsure, please contact your prosthetist at the Amputee Care Center. We are happy to advise you, because prevention is better than cure.

Daily hygiene for your skin and cleaning your prosthesis

Not only your skin, but also everything that comes into contact with your skin deserves daily attention.

Use care products consciously. Clean your skin daily, wash it with mild, unscented soap, and dry it thoroughly. Moisturizing creams are suitable for the evening when you go to sleep, so that the skin can recover. Avoid using oily products just before putting on your prosthesis, as this can affect its grip and stability.

Tip! Should I put my prosthesis or liner in the freezer?

The Amputee Care Center by Spronken has over 60 years of experience, and we often hear about clever tricks from prosthesis wearers, such as putting their prosthetic liner in the freezer for cold therapy (maximum 20 minutes) or to get rid of unpleasant odors. Give it a try.  

In any case, make sure your liner and socket can air out when you are not wearing the prosthesis. If the odor keeps coming back or the material changes, it is wise to consult your prosthetist or doctor to have the liner checked or replaced.

When should you contact your prosthetist?

Are skin problems on your amputation stump recurring or worsening? If so, always contact your prosthetist. By taking timely action, more serious problems can often be prevented and you can continue to move comfortably and safely.

With the right care, attention, and guidance, you can largely prevent skin problems. This gives you peace of mind and confidence, allowing you to focus on what is really important: living comfortably and actively with your prosthesis.