Hygiene and residual limb care

It is really important to maintain the health of your child’s residual limb (sometimes referred to as a ‘little limb’) to prevent potential health problems.

Preventive measures to keep a residual limb healthy

You can help your child to avoid problems with their residual limb by helping them to look after it properly:

• wash prosthetic liners daily with a mild non-fragrant soap
• change and wash stump socks daily – more so in the warmer months
• be aware of perspiration building in the socket, bacterial or fungal infections, pressure or friction
• check the health of your child’s limb regularly
• don’t shave or wax residual limbs as it could cause ingrown hairs.

Common skin problems that come with limb loss

Some common skin disorders experienced by those with limb loss include:

• general irritation or rashes
• dermatitis or allergies related to cleaning agents, prosthetic liners, swelling
• cysts or irritation resulting from rubbing of the prosthetic limb against skin
• scar tissue due to wound healing
• breakdowns resulting from bacterial infection.

Contact if your doctor or prosthetist immediately if you have any concerns or notice any changes.