General Care Advice
To ensure you stay comfortable and safe when using a prosthesis we have compiled a list of general care advice, on how to look after it.
- Wash your residual limb daily with soap and water, rinse and dry carefully. Do not soak as this makes the skin tender. The best time to cleanse your residuum is at night. It must be thoroughly dry before applying the socket.
- Moisturise your residuum if your skin is dry. Use a non fragranced aqueous cream. Avoid oils and talcum powder unless they have been prescribed by a doctor.
- If perspiring excessively during the day, remove your socket and pat residuum dry, changing socks if needed. Specialised anti-perspirant products are available under advice.
- Check your residual limb daily for signs of chafing, pressure points, excess reddening, blisters and cracks in the skin or other skin disorders. A mirror will help check the skin, especially at the back. Discontinue wearing your prosthesis while waiting for an abrasion or wound to heal where possible, unless advised otherwise by your doctor and contact the Rehabilitation Centre if you are concerned.
- It is best not to shave your residuum as this can cause irritation within the socket.
- Any major changes in body weight may alter the fit of the prosthesis.
- Any major changes in activity level or lifestyle may affect the function of the prosthesis and your comfort.
- If using an interface liner, make sure this is cleaned daily and completely dry before it is worn against your skin.
- If using stump socks, change these daily or more often if required. Do not wear dirty or soiled socks, worn or holed socks. Do not patch or mend socks as this can cause rubbing in the socket.
- You should not try to modify your socket in any way.
- You should not use oil, lubricant or talc on any working parts of your prosthesis.
- You should not loosen any screws or bolts as this may be dangerous.
- If you notice your prosthesis becoming noisy, difficult to use or ill-fitting, please contact the Rehabilitation Centre. You should not try to repair it yourself.
