Managing Sweat in Your Prothesis

Living in a warmer climate offers the advantage of being able to stay active outdoors all year round. This may result in sweat accumulation within your prosthesis. Apart from feeling uncomfortable, excessive sweating also puts you at risk of skin irritation. This blog post will suggest different solutions to manage this issue.

Potential Dangers of Skin Breakdown

The skin serves as the primary defense mechanism of your body against diseases. When issues arise, the initial indications may manifest as inflammation or a rash, which can be rather uncomfortable. Such conditions create a favorable environment for microbes to multiply, leading to various health issues.

If excess moisture remains on your skin for an extended period, the risk of developing issues increases. When your skin is soaked with sweat, friction between the skin and the damp sheath can lead to the formation of blisters. These blisters may get infected and cause pain, and if not treated, they could result in bloodstream infections.

Another issue that may arise is the accumulation of sweat within the gel liner, leading to the liner slipping off the skin. This can impact the suspension, resulting in a different fit of your prosthesis. As a result, increased limb movement may occur, potentially causing skin breakdown and the aforementioned issues.

What You Can Do

Being prepared is key. By anticipating your requirements in advance and ensuring you have the necessary items to minimize sweat, you can prevent the potential risks associated with excessive perspiration inside your prosthesis. Here is a checklist to refer to whenever engaging in activities that may lead to sweating.

• Bring a washcloth, a pair of cotton socks, or an extra sheath. Periodically take breaks to remove your prosthesis and wash off the sweat.  Replace the wet sheath or sock with a dry one before reapplying your prosthesis.

• Apply an antiperspirant to the skin of your limb the night before a planned outing. Be sure to do this at night while your prosthesis is off. Prescription strength antiperspirants are recommended and can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription. This can dry out your skin, be sure to proceed with caution until your skin is comfortable with it.

• Ensure your gel liner fits comfortably and is in good shape. A loose-fitting liner allows the sweat to pool more. So, if your liner is loose, replace it before you embark on any activities.

• For below-the-knee amputations, you can wear an absorbent headband above the gel liner or suspension sleeve to absorb any sweat that trickles down towards the liner.

Let Integrity help you! Prosthetics should not hurt or be uncomfortable! Insurance is accepted, walk-ins are welcome, and our certified/licensed prosthetists will make sure you are comfortable and thoroughly taken care of. Call today to schedule a no-cost consultation!

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