Skin problems in amputees: a descriptive study.
BACKGROUND
Skin problems are common in amputee patients. These problems may restrict the normal use of a prosthetic limb. We aimed to determine the range, incidence, causes and patterns of dermatological problems seen in a population of amputees.


METHODS
One hundred and forty two amputees, were enrolled to the study. Age, sex, age at the time of amputation, level of amputation, reason for amputation, and types of prosthesis were noted. Dermatological problems were recorded. Stumps were swabbed for bacteriological and mycological examination, and patch tests were performed in suspected patients.


RESULTS
Of these 142 patients, 139 (97.9%) were males and 3 (2.1%) were females. The reasons for amputation in the majority of the cases were wounds due to mine explosion (n = 114, 80.3%) and gunshot wounds (n = 19, 13.4%). The other reasons were arterial diseases, traffic accidents, congenital absence of the tibia, and vascular complication of diabetes. At least one skin problem was detected in 105 (73.9%) of 142 cases. Positive reactions to allergens have been detected in 28 (43%) of 65 cases with dermatitis. Bacterial infection was detected in 12 patients and fungal infection was detected in 4 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Our descriptive study shows that skin problems have a high prevalence, up to 73.9% in amputee patients. This high percentage indicates that dermatological problems are important in amputees. Early recognition and treatment of these problems can prevent the amputee's mental, social, and economic losses.
Koc
Erol
E
Departments of Dermatology, and Orthopedics and Traumatology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey. drerolkoc@yahoo.com
Tunca
Mustafa
M
Akar
Ahmet
A
Erbil
A Hakan
AH
Demiralp
Bahtiyar
B
Arca
Ercan
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D000672:Amputation Stumps / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*
D000485:Allergens