Submitted by amputeeadmin on Mon, 04/22/2013 - 18:36
A residual limb presents an entirely new surface of the body to care for. Stump hygiene is particularly important since your residual limb will spend a good deal of time in close contact with a prosthesis.
Some hygiene guidelines:
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Wash the residual limb daily with a mild or anti-bacterial soap;
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Rinse the soap residue off the stump and dry it carefully;
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Do not use oils, creams or talcum powder unless advised by your clinical prosthetists;
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Change your stump socks daily;
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Inspect the residual limb at least daily and more often if it is sore. Use a hand mirror so you can see all of it.
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If you notice any skin loss, soreness or signs of infection (such as inflammation) in the residual limb, contact your clinical prosthetists as soon as possible.
