Introduction
As many as 50 percent of individuals with lower-limb amputations have demonstrated skin complications during use of their protheses.1 The socket environment closes the limb in snugly, restricting the airflow and making it nearly impossible to keep the limb cool. Skin problems such as blisters and other macerations resulting from friction and exacerbated by perspiration buildup are cited as common problems. Heat rash is another condition that often results from excessive perspiration. Folliculitis, a bacterial infection of the hair follicle, contact dermatitis, or allergic reactions in the form of a rash or dry, irritated skin are other frequent conditions cited by researchers.1,3,4 All of these conditions related to excessive perspiration not only complicate the prosthetic fit and use but also have the potential to adversely affect multiple aspects of an amputee’s life. Because excessive perspiration predisposes them to infection and skin sensitivity, this problem is especially troublesome for patients with diabetes, who account for nearly 80 percent of the lower-limb amputee population.2 Further, compromised residual-limb tissue is often accompanied by increased problems with prosthetic fit and comfort as well as general pain and distress. This functional loss adversely affects the physical, social, psychological, and emotional well-being of the amputee.5,6
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