Contact:
Phone: (313) 538-8500
Fax: (313) 538-8501
Ultralightprosth@aol.com

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Cleanse The Socket

Here are three general rules if skin disorders develop:
SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN for treatment. A minor disorder may become disabling if incorrect treatment is used.
SEE YOUR PROSTHETIST Adjusting the prosthesis may do away with the cause of the skin disorder.
NEVER use strong disinfectants, such as iodine, on the skin of the stump.

ABRASIONS
The skin is sometimes abraded (rubbed raw) by the socket.

Gently wash skin with liquid or cake cleanser and warm water. Cover with a mild antiseptic, such as bacitracin ointment and sterile gauze.
Make sure prosthesis is dry before it Is put on.
If abrasions occur often: SEE YOUR PROSTHETIST.
If an abrasion shows any sign of Infection: SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN.

BLISTERS
If a blister is small and does not hurt:

Wash it with antiseptic cleanser and leave it alone. Opening a blister without proper precautions and sterile instruments may cause infection.
If it is large, painful, and recurs often: SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN.

BACTERIAL INFECTIONS
may become serious and should be treated witnout delay.
HAIR-ROOT INFECTION is a common minor bacterial infection. To treat:
Clean area daily with liquid antiseptic cleanser.
Keep dry at other times.
Allow air to circulate freely over infected area.
BOIlS AND ABSCESSES are two more serious types of bacterial infection.
If they occur: SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN. Until then:

Rest as much as possible, with prosthesis off and stump raised.
Apply hot compresses (cloths soaked in hot water) for 30 minutes every 3-4 hours.

FUNGUS INFECTIONS
are usually not serious but may be annoying.

For prevention or treatment:
Follow rules of stump hygiene.
leave area of infection exposed to air as much as possible.
Keep skin dry.

SWELLING
After amputation, during the healIng phase, there is usually some swelling of the stump. This swelljng is called edema. later, a badly fitting prosthesis may cause similar swelling.

What can be done to prevent or treat this edema of the stump?

The physician and the limb fitter may recommend that outside support should be given to the stump by socks or elastic bandages.
If the prosthesis fits badly, SEE YOUR PROSTHETIST.
Sit or lie for short periods with stump resting on a pillow. This will improve circulation and decrease the swelling.
For the below-knee stump, avoid keeping the knee bent for long periods of time.