Hence, in a number of patients, a chronic recurrent folliculitis was virtually cured by having the amputee adhere to a routine antiseptic hygiene program. Treatment can include wet dressings, incision and drainage of abscesses after localization, oral or parenteral use of antibacterial or antibiotic substances, or the local application of bactericides, such as topical Polysporin, Erythromycin, Mupirocin, or topical Clindamycin. Superficial fungal infections usually appear only on the part of the stump or thigh enclosed by the socket. These infections of the stump skin may be difficult to eradicate completely because of the moisture, warmth, and maceration within the prosthetic socket. The diagnosis can be confirmed either by culture or by microscopic demonstration of the fungal filaments within scales or blisters removed from a given lesion.
Therapy includes application of fungistatic or fungicidal creams and powders for an extended period.
Oral antifungal agents may be beneficial in treating recurrent fungal infections that have not responded to topical therapy. Intertriginous dermatitis is an inflammation or irritation of those skin surfaces that are in constant apposition and between which there is hypersecretion and retention of sweat. This usually occurs in the inguinal or crural areas, but on occasion it also occurs in the folds at the end of the stump where two surfaces of the skin rub each other and where the protective layer of keratin is removed by friction. Hygienic measures to cleanse the opposing folds and the use of drying powders or lotions are beneficial. In some instances, only refitting and realigning the prosthesis can correct this.