No matter the cause of your amputation  whether it was trauma, diabetes, vascular disease or infection one thing remains essential: you need to look after your residual limb every single day.

Your skin is your first line of protection and proper stump care plays a major role in long term prosthetic comfort and mobility.

A prosthetic liner creates a sealed environment around the residual limb. While this improves suspension and comfort it also traps heat and sweat while limiting air circulation. Many people think moisture keeps the skin hydrated but the opposite happens. Constant sweat and moisture disrupt the skin barrier over time leading to dry skin, irritation, cracking and sensitivity.

Yes, newer prosthetic liners with perforation holes and advanced silicone designs can help reduce heat and direct sweat away from the skin. But even with these newer technologies daily skin care remains extremely important.

Wash your prosthetic liner every day using a mild pH-neutral soap. Make sure the inside of the liner is completely dry before wearing it again. Liner drying stands are also available and will help maintain the liners natural shape while allowing proper air drying. Ask your prosthetist about these options.

Your residual limb should also be moisturized daily. Apply a moisturizing cream at night after washing your stump to allow the skin time to absorb the cream properly. Avoid applying cream immediately before wearing your liner as this can affect suspension and irritate the skin.

Respect your residual limb. Make skin care part of your daily routine. Your mobility depends on it.