Summer Tips For a Prosthetic User

After an amputation, the body loses a large skin surface that was previously used to support the regulation of temperature[1]. With a prosthetic device, the residual limb is now covered by multiple layers, such as the liner, socks and socket. Moreover, walking with a prosthesis requires more energy expenditure than walking without one[2]. As a result, prosthetic users are more likely to sweat excessively.  

With summer coming, it is time for one to get ready to face the sun, the sometimes-excessive heat and the humidity that may come along. The weather will invite us out and the great outdoors will seem to be the perfect scenario for our day-out plans, but what about prosthetic users? 

Summer can be, for a prosthetic user, a synonym of discomfort, challenges, and skin problems. On previous studies[3,4], the prevalence of residual limb skin problems has been reported to be between 15% and 73% for prosthesis users. While these numbers picture a broad range of underlying causes for disorders of the residual limb’s skin, according to Ghoseriri et al[6], more than 53% of all individuals with amputations report that one of the major sources of discomfort when wearing their prostheses is heat and/or perspiration, being this a major cause of skin health issues, as well as poor fit and function5. Click or tap here to enter text.Excessive sweat might accumulate inside the liner/socket, causing some sliding of the residual limb over the socket’s walls and compromising the suspension. This can affect gait and potentially lead to prosthesis dysfunction and falls[7].  

If wearing a prosthesis in warmer weather might sound inconvenient, the effects of sweating are especially magnified during physical activity. Skin care of the residual limb is critical if an amputee wants to stay active during summer since any irritation could jeopardize load-bearing and prosthesis use, even if the socket is well fitted[8].

These are some important tips for a prosthesis user that should be kept in mind during summertime: 

• During the day, they should take their prosthesis off periodically and clean their residual limb, liner (if they use one) and prosthesis with a towel. If they have an extra liner they can change to, they should, but without forgetting to wash and dry the worn one before putting it away. 

• Prosthetic users should check regularly if the liner is fitting appropriately. If it is loose-fitting, it is more likely to accumulate sweat around the limb and at its bottom, leading to the formation of blisters. 

• As usual, they should wash and dry the worn liners every day. 

• Prosthetic socks help keep the skin dry, avoiding sliding and friction. Even if the day seems way too hot for one to endure the discomfort of extra layers over the residual limb, the sock material, opposite to the liner material, is absorbent of the skin’s perspiration, which poses a great advantage for an amputee to face the day with less concerns. Nevertheless, when prosthetic socks get sweaty, they should be changed.  

• At the end of the day, the prosthesis user should clean the residual limb with warm water and antibacterial soap to help eradicate bacteria. 

• Using lotion before putting on the liner without letting it dry/adsorb will not be helpful, since it can cause the liner to slide down the leg. 

• If perspiration becomes too problematic, specialized antiperspirants can be used, but they should be indicated by a specialist (physician, prosthetist) or even prescribed. 

Good skin care is part of every amputee’s life, but a proactive approach during the summer increases their chances of fully participating in seasonal activities, such as hiking, taking long walks by the beach or even sitting under the sun with no discomfort. For other activities which are typical of summertime, like swimming in a lake or in the sea, they should consider using specialized prosthesis for water, as some components are not fit for being submerged and can cause undergo corrosion.  

In conclusion, although it may look challenging, it is possible for amputees that wear prostheses to enjoy the amazing weather that is quickly approaching us this summer. All it takes is some extra precautions, management, and self-care, and they will be ready to conquer the sun, the heat, and the waves. Nevertheless, a chat with a specialist is always a clever idea – they will be the best people to advise and assure a prosthesis user... all year long, from winter to spring, summer included!