Skin disorders in amputees

Background: Dermatologic problems restrict the normal use Of a prosthetic l imb. The importance of contact dermatitis to skin morbidity in a population of amputees and the selection criteria for patch testing have not been cle arly defined. Objective: We describe the range of dermatoses seen in a population of ampu tees and examine the incidence, causes, and patterns of contact dermatitis. Methods: This is a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study of 210 ampute es. Those with a skin problem were assessed by a dermatologist. Patch testi ng was undertaken in patients with persistent dermatitis. Results: IX total of 34% of amputees experienced a skin problem. Lesions re sulting from friction, pressure, and occlusion are common. Allergic contact dermatitis is seen in a third of patients with stump dermatitis. There are no features that distinguish allergic from irritant (chemical or physical) dermatitis. Conclusion: Dermatologic problems are common in prosthetic limb:users. Alle rgic contact dermatitis is a significant problem, and all patients with der matitis on the residual limb should be patch tested.