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. 2000 Mar;42(3):501-7.
doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(00)90227-5.

Skin disorders in amputees

C C Lyon  1 , J Kulkarni, E Zimerson, E Van Ross, M H Beck
Affiliations

Skin disorders in amputees

C C Lyon et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000 Mar.

Abstract

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.

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Comment in

  • Circulatory disorders in amputation stumps.
    Suárez EC, Olivo CZ, López-Ríos F, Rodríguez-Peralto JL, Díez LI. Suárez EC, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001 Apr;44(4):7223-4. doi: 10.1067/mjd.2001.112352. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001. PMID: 11260564 No abstract available.

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