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I’ve always been a skin care lover.
Courtesy of Subject / Bella Geraci
I even have my “special” rainy day routine.
Until recently, I thought I had all the skin-care bases covered.
When caring for the skin on a residual limb, fine lines andbreakoutsaren’t your primary concern.
Courtesy of Subject
In that case, glazed donut skin would become the last thing on your radar.
How you treat the skin beneath its surface is a massive part of that.
Youll want to ensure youre keeping it clean, but that doesnt mean scrubbing it raw.
Courtesy of Subject
Focusing on maintaining a healthy skin barrier is essential, explains Garshik.
I really likeNatives Unscented Body Wash, which is also free of dyes and fragrances.
Like with facial skin care, everyones routine will look a little different.
Choosing the right product is equally as important for your (very expensive) prosthetic limb.
Plus, there’s no reason to waste your niceface washon something thats satisfied with dish soap.
Just check that youre not leaving behind any soapy residue!
Courtesy of Subject
“I’ve seen it createingrown hairsthat’ve led to infections, he adds.
The ingrown hairs are more frequently caused in lower extremity prosthetics wearers due to the weight-bearing aspect.”
Anotherhair removalmethod that runs a lower risk of causing ingrowns is using a depilatory product such as Nair.
Thats really whats going to protect the barrier, explains Garshik.
If there is some rubbing or friction, the moisturizer will create a protective layer.
Plus its dye- and fragrance-free formula will be gentle on your skin.
Using antiperspirant
Yes, youll probably want anantiperspirantfor your residual limb.
Its not unlike the concept of when your feet get sweaty in a pair of closed toe shoes.
For example, myoelectric (bionic) limbs rely on sensors that lie flesh with your muscles to move.
One of the biggest challenges with wearing a prosthesis is perspiration.
This is why you should also apply an antiperspirant.
If you use it once, you may not necessarily notice a difference.
But using it over several days, for instance, might result in a noticeable improvement.
Excess moisture also risks making any discomfort from friction and chafing worse.
If this does become an issue, Hemmen suggestsGlideWearpatches.
But when it comes to my little arm, looking closely is necessary.
With an amputated limb, you might experience touch differently.
For me, the bottom of my arm is always a little numb.
