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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Lyon
C C
CC
Contact Dermatitis Investigation Unit, University of Manchester Section of Dermatology, Hope Hospital, Salford, United Kingdom.
Kulkarni
J
J
Zimerson
E
E
Van Ross
E
E
Beck
M H
MH
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires