Some users may wear layers, such as a liner and a sock, or two or three socks with different plys. Layering can add more cushion, and it can also control volumetric change in the residual limb. Socks and liners should be washed daily to prevent bacteria from building up and causing irritation, infection or breakdown of the skin. There are numerous personal care products that can be used to help protect the residual limb. Plain soap and water will keep the skin clean, while fragrance free moisturizers or mineral oil will keep it from drying out.
Perspiration is perhaps the biggest enemy.
A fragrance free antiperspirant can be applied directly to the residual limb before donning the sock or liner. Regenerative healing creams can be used at night when the prosthesis is off. It is important to test all products on an area of skin away from the residual limb first to make sure there is not an allergic reaction. About 140,000 Americans will experience a lower extremity amputation in the next year. The overwhelming majority of these people will be older adults with vascular disease associated with diabetes or arteriosclerosis.