Care for your Skin

How to clean your residual limb

Being a new amputee now requires you to take care of the skin on your residual limb. We have created a simple 3 step process that shows how to best clean your residual limb. A combination of washing the limb with soap and moisturising the limb regularly will not only make it easier to wear your prosthesis, but will also reduce the frequency of rashes, bacterial infections etc., from appearing on your residual limb. For more information about other skin issues, please download the Residual limb care guide at the bottom of the page.

Step 1: Wash with a mild soap (pH = less than 7)

Step 2: Moisturise after wash to prevent dryness. Only apply moisturiser in the evening.

Tip: If you are a new amputee or have high volume fluctuations in your limb, it’s recommended to shower at night. The heat of the shower and your limb hanging down can make it harder to don your prosthesis in the morning when most users experience their highest volume of the day already. Give it a go!