Battling Sweat with a Prosthesis
One of the worst enemies of the individual with limb loss is sweat! Sweat interferes with the interface between the prosthesis and the limb, hindering the function of the prosthesis and the individual using it. Since we are in the heat of summer here in Texas, now is a great time to discuss tips and tricks to combat the sweat monster!
Use antiperspirant on the residual limb in the evenings, before going to bed. Secret Platinum for women seems to work best for all genders. Don’t worry guys, your secret is safe with us!
Use spray antiperspirant on the limb immediately prior to wearing the liner. Just a few squirts to the limb will do! Wait a few seconds for it to dry before wearing the liner.
Use a “sweat sock” between the liner and the limb to absorb the accumulated sweat. Several brands are currently on the market. Ask your prosthetist or physical therapist about what brands are available to you.
Carry a “sham-wow” to wipe the limb if too much sweat is accumulated. Stop by your local “As Seen on TV” section of Wal-Mart to grab one of these bad boys. They typically are available large enough to wash a car, so cut one into smaller pieces to carry in multiple places. These beat out conventional towels as you can wring them out and reuse multiple times!
Ask your physician about prescription strength antiperspirant. Several types are available and can be used on the limb nightly.
Ask your physician about Botox to decrease the secretions of the sweat glands. A much more painful option, Botox can be injected into the distal limb to decrease sweat production. The medication lasts about six months; therefore, the procedure will need to be repeated at least twice a year.
