May flowers aren’t the only thing these April showers bring. For those that wear a prosthesis daily, sudden rainstorms can bring a flood of questions about the well-being of your device in water. Unless outfitted with sensitive electronic components, your prosthesis won’t receive enduring damage from a little splash as you dash across a wet parking lot. However, you can take the following precautions to protect your hardware as best you can during this soggy month:
- If you live in an area that’s receives high amounts of rain or is doused at unpredictable times, consider investing in a waterproof prosthetic cover. Over-the-counter options are vacuum sealed, flexible covers made of a high-quality latex blend and can fit easily into your day bag, allowing you to slip it on quickly when rain strikes. You can also work with your prosthetist to create a custom waterproof cover addressing your needs.
- Should you get caught in a deluge, remove your prosthesis once you’re safely settled inside and allow it to dry at room temperature. You can run a soft cloth over the exterior to soak up excess water, but never use a hair dryer or other direct form of heat to help it dry, as it can warp or damage sensitive components.
- Avoid cotton prosthetic socks on days threatening to downpour. Cotton absorbs water and keeps it trapped against your skin, creating an uncomfortable chafing situation. Opt instead for wool or synthetic blend socks, which are designed to wick moisture away from the skin and dry quickly.
- Wait until your prosthesis is completely dry before reattaching. A damp socket will create skin irritation, which can possibly lead to infection.
Rain or shine, our talented team at Floyd Brace will help you make best use of your prosthesis. Set up an appointment today to ask about custom waterproof covering options!
Tags: water protection prosthesis
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