Skin disorders in amputees.

BACKGROUND

Dermatologic problems restrict the normal use of a prosthetic limb. The importance of contact dermatitis to skin morbidity in a population of amputees and the selection criteria for patch testing have not been clearly defined.

OBJECTIVE

We describe the range of dermatoses seen in a population of amputees and examine the incidence, causes, and patterns of contact dermatitis.

METHODS

This is a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study of 210 amputees. Those with a skin problem were assessed by a dermatologist. Patch testing was undertaken in patients with persistent dermatitis.

RESULTS

A total of 34% of amputees experienced a skin problem. Lesions resulting 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. Allergic contact dermatitis is a significant problem, and all patients with dermatitis on the residual limb should be patch tested.