The body's best protection against infection and disease is its largest organ, the skin.

Proper skin care is vital, not only for amputees, but for everyone. However, for amputees who wear a prosthesis, consistent, thorough hygiene helps prevent disabling skin conditions and blisters, and fosters a normal, active life.

The inescapable necessity of keeping the residual limb in a socket throughout the day presents its own set of potential problems. Confined in an airless chamber, the leg does not experience normal heat loss and retention patterns. Without air circulation, accumulated heat and trapped perspiration encourage fungal development and bacterial growth.

A combination of regular cleansing and the use of medicated soaps and bacterial lotions will give the skin the protection it needs to stay healthy.