prosthetic limb irritation

Using a prosthetic device creates an unfathomable amount of new freedom for those who’ve experienced limb loss, but there are still a couple of inconveniences that come along with them. Learning methods to improve your comfort and functionality is important for improving your overall well-being. There are thousands of wonderful items out there that make the little things more convenient. Keep reading to find out a few of our favorites!

Oils

It doesn’t take much for skin to get irritated, as many prosthetic users can say. But there are many oil-based accessories to decrease the amount of irritation your skin faces on a daily basis -- all you have to do is find the best one for you! Here are some of the ones we have found most effective:

  • Body Oil - Apply this to the skin at the top of your liner to reduce redness.
  • Coconut Oil - This oil has garnered quite the reputation as being the ultimate fix-all, and this applies to damaged skin. Apply it at night for recovery of the skin that experiences rubbing from your prosthesis.
  • Jojoba Oil - Putting this on before you go to bed will help reduce any irritation you may have.
  • Silicone-based lotions - We understand that this isn’t the typical recommendation, but this particular type of lotion absorbs less than others, which gives your skin a break from the uncomfortable side effects of rubbing against a prosthesis.

Clothing

Clothing is a major part of who we are, but it can sometimes get complicated with a prosthetic limb. Shoes and pants especially face some difficult scenarios, but there are ways to prevent minor inconveniences. One that we see a lot would be sockets tearing away at pants. Ironing patches on the inside of your pants, where the rubbing occurs, can help prevent it from damaging your clothes! In regards to shoes, sandals and flats will often be a pain to walk in. However, Velcro is a great solution to combat this problem!

Ask Us Your Convenience Questions!

We’ve seen a lot of great ideas in our 17 years as a company, which gives us plenty of advice to share for those with questions. Every part of BioTech, from the building to the technology, is designed to give our patients the easiest experience possible. This includes our staff, who are knowledgeable, experienced, and have a passion for helping motivated individuals turn their disabilities into possibilities! Contact us today for more information.