Antiperspirants available
Excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) of the residual limb is a common complaint in prosthetic users. It often interferes with daily activities and appears to be a common reason for the removal of the prosthesis before the end of the day.
Successful use of a prosthesis requires a stable interface between the residual limb and the prosthetic socket, therefore maintaining healthy skin is important if an amputee is to successfully use their prosthesis.
Perspiration can cause poor prosthetic fit and function and can lead to various skin disorders which can also have a negative effect on prosthetic use, as well as quality of life.
The amount of perspiration varies from person to person and can be related to several factors like skin surface involved, socket design, socket material for example silicone liners, wearing time, activity level and seasonal temperature changes through the year.
Sweating can be more problematic in the first year following your amputation, as your body needs time to adjust to wearing a prosthesis. However if the problem persist you may want to try using an antiperspirant.
If you have issues with sweating in relation to your prosthesis, here are some antiperspirants that may help:
Always try the antiperspirant on a small area of skin, to ensure you do not have a reaction to it.
For more information about directions of use and any possible risks associated with any of these products, please read the information provided with the product or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
ODABAN® Spray
A safe and simple antiperspirant that protects against excessive sweating and odour, it is also suitable for use by sports-people and wearers of artificial limbs.
ODABAN® contains a tried and tested formulation of 20% aluminium chloride in a silicone and pure alcohol base.
Anhydrol Forte
(www.healthcentre.org.uk/pharmacy/sweating-anhydrol-forte-online.html)
Comes as a roll-on, and you simply roll it over the skin that you wish to treat. Anhydral Forte comprises high levels of aluminium chloride, a well-known solution to sweat problems. The aluminium chloride serves to clog up the problematic sweat glands, preventing production of sweat through these pores as well as killing any surface bacteria that could eventually cause bad smells. Although this sounds rather unnatural or painful there are minimal side effects to the use of anhydrol forte, and it can prove a very reliable and successful answer to your sweating problems
Zeasorb® Excess Moisture
Indicated for excessive sweating and helps to prevent inflammation and fungal infections in skin folds or in areas where skin surfaces rub together.
Zeasorb dusting powder contains two ingredients, chloroxylenol and aluminium dihydroxyallantoinate (aldioxa). Chloroxylenol is an antiseptic that disinfects the skin and helps prevent infections with bacteria and fungi. Aldioxa is an aluminium salt that has powerful antiperspirant properties.
The powder formulation also helps absorb moisture in areas such as the groin, armpits, hands, feet and skin-folds.
Driclor
The preferred treatment for excessive sweating is a deodorant with a formulation based on aluminium chloride, which is the active principle of the formulation of Driclor. Although there are a variety of products offering the solution for this problem, Driclor has proven to be highly effective since it has the most powerful formula which ensures a drying effect.
Driclor is based on an aluminium compound that manages to create a special protection gel in the muscle tissue preventing excessive sweating.
It has to be used properly, more often at the beginning of your treatment, then infrequently to continue the protection required.
Sweatstop
An aluminium chloride based antiperspirant for excessive sweating and are formulated in different strengths to suit different skin types. They also contain Aloe Vera to be gentle to even the most sensitive skin.
Experience since 2006, using continuous product development. No sweat stains on clothes. Sweatstop antiperspirants are vegan. Only need to apply in the evening, effects lasts 1-5 days. Large 100ml bottles.
Contact us
Specialist Rehabilitation and Mobility Centre,
Cumberland Infirmary,
Carlisle
CA2 7HY
Call 01228 814783
Monday to Friday between 08:30am and 4:30pm.
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