Sweat Management

Temperature Regulation

The human body produces sweat to regulate temperature when hot, however sweat is a major issue for amputees. Not only do amputees have a greater need to regulate their temperature as they require greater effort to walk, but there is a compromised ability to cool due to reduced body surface area which is compounded by current sockets and liners which act as insulators.

Body Surface Area

Trans-tibial amputees expend 20-40% more effort to walk but at the same time, their body surface area is typically reduced by 10-15% which impacts cooling capacity.

Seymour, R. Prosthetics and Orthotics: LowerLimb and Spinal. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2002. By Douglas C. Smith, MD, ACA Medical Director.

Current Options for Amputees

There are some treatment options available including anti-perspirant sprays, Botulinum toxin, medication, electrical stimulation and surgery. However, these treatments often aren’t successful and may cause further side effects.