If you develop a rash on the skin over your amputated limbs, take steps to make your skin feel and look healthier each day. Sometimes, the material of your prostheses can irritate, rub or break out your skin. If you don't do something about the rash and other problems, you can't wear your prostheses properly. Here are tips to use every evening to make your skin feel and look good.

Moisturize Your Skin With Coconut Oil and Vitamin E

One of the best ways to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy before and after you wear your prostheses is to moisturize it with coconut oil and Vitamin E. Coconut oil is a light oil that feels silky on your skin. It also absorbs fast, which keeps your prostheses, bedding and skin dry during the day and night.

Vitamin E oil helps skin cells regenerate and rebuild over time. Vitamin E also adds moisture to your dry skin by penetrating deeply into the pores. If your skin is very dry, you can mix 1 part Vitamin E with 2 parts coconut oil to form a powerful moisturizer. 

After you mix the oils together, do the following:

  • Place a soft cotton towel beneath your amputations
  • Place 3 drops of oil into your hands, then gently rub them together
  • Use your fingertips to make small circles on the skin but only use gentle pressure 
  • Massage each limb for 5 minutes to promote healthy blood flow to your skin
  • Use the towel to blot away excess oil from your skin

You should massage your skin daily for the best results.

Rest Your Prosthetic Legs on Cotton Pillows

After you massage your skin with oil each night, be sure to rest your limbs on a soft, cotton pillow. Cotton doesn't irritate your skin, which helps it retain moisture. In addition, cotton will absorb any excess oil from your skin after the massage. This keeps your bedding clean during the night.

It's a good idea that you purchase several medium or large sized pillows. You can change out pillows as they lose their fluffiness. Keeping your limbs slightly raised helps the fluids drain out of your skin, which also reduces puffiness and swelling in your arms, ankles and feet. Changing your pillows regularly also protects your amputations from bacterial infections and other germs that can endanger your skin.

If you need additional help protecting your prosthetic amputation skin from dryness, contact your medical provider today.

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