How to Clean a Leg Prosthesis

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By Jessica Cook
eHow Contributing Writer

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If you have had surgery to amputate all or part of one of your legs, then chances are you now have a prosthesis to care for. Cleaning a leg prosthesis is a simple task, but it needs to be done regularly to preserve the life of your prosthesis and prevent infection.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Soap
Soft cloths

Clean a Prosthesis

Step 1

Use a wet cloth with a gentle cleanser, such as mild soap, to clean your prosthesis in the area where it touches your skin (the inside of the socket). You should do this every day; you can also clean the rest of the prosthesis once a week or whenever it gets dirty. You may also wish to use an antiseptic, such as rubbing alcohol, to clean your prosthesis on occasion.
Step 2

Rinse the cleanser. Use a second soft cloth with only water on it to rinse the cleanser off your prosthesis. Wipe thoroughly to remove all soap or antiseptic so it will not come into contact with your skin and irritate it.
Step 3

Dry the prosthesis. Use a third soft cloth, but this time leave it dry. Wipe your prosthesis thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before you put it back on. If you put on a wet prosthesis, you could slip and cause yourself to become injured.

Tips & Warnings

If you do not feel comfortable cleaning your prosthesis, ask your caregiver or physician to show you how to do it properly.
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners on your prosthesis, since it will be in contact with your skin regularly.