If you love getting outdoors and participating in various sports and activities, there is one thing you can count on, and that you are likely used to – sweat. When you sweat, the moisture can begin to build up in your prosthesis. Not only is this uncomfortable, but you will also face the risk of skin breakdown and other issues.
If you want to learn how to manage sweat in your prosthesis while still enjoying an active lifestyle, keep reading.
The Dangers of Skin Breakdown
Your skin is the first line of defense your body has against disease. One of the early indications of trouble is inflammation or a rash that may be unsightly and uncomfortable. When this environment develops, it is the perfect place for microbes to begin to multiply and cause several health issues.
The longer excess moisture remains on your skin, the higher likelihood of problems developing. Once the sheath is soaked with sweat, friction may occur between your damp skin and the sheath, which causes the development of blisters. The blisters may get infected and be painful, and if they are not treated, they can leave to a systemic blood infection that could be life-threatening.
Another potential complication that may occur is if the sweat builds up inside the gel liner. This causes the liner to move or slip off the skin. If this happens, your suspension is affected, causing the prosthesis to fit improperly. When this occurs, the movement of your limb increases, which may lead to skin breakdown and the other issues mentioned above.
Preventing Sweat Related Prothesis Issues
The key to preventing problems is to be prepared. If you can anticipate your needs ahead of time and bring everything necessary to minimize sweat, you can avoid the dangers it can cause. Some tips to help you with this are listed below.
Bring a Rag or Cotton Socks
It is a good idea to bring an extra sheath, a pair of cotton socks, or a washcloth and stop from time to time to remove the prosthesis and wash away any sweat. Replace the wet sheath or the sock with one of the dry ones you have brought along before you reapply the prosthesis.
Check the Fit of the Gel Liner
Make sure the gel liner fits well and that there is not any damage. If the liner is loose, make sure you replace it before you participate in any activity. If the liner does not fit snugly, the sweat is going to pool more than usual.
Apply Antiperspirant
The night before your planned event or activity, you can apply an antiperspirant to your limb’s skin. Just make sure you do this at night when the prosthesis is taken off because the chemicals in it may cause deterioration for some gel liners.
