Cutaneous Laser Therapy for Residual Limb Skin Pathology: A Narrative Review Bridging Dermatologic Laser Research With Clinical Perspectives and Considerations for Multidisciplinary Care Teams

TL;DR

This paper reviews how laser therapies used in dermatology could help manage skin issues in amputees, potentially improving prosthetic fit and quality of life.

Contribution

The paper bridges dermatologic laser research with clinical care for residual limb skin pathology, highlighting laser therapy's potential in this underexplored area.

Findings

Cutaneous lasers may improve scar remodeling and wound healing in residual limbs.

Laser therapy is generally well tolerated despite potential side effects like hyperpigmentation.

Limited direct research exists, but broader dermatologic evidence supports laser use for amputees.

Abstract

Cutaneous laser therapies are widely employed in dermatology for hair removal, scar remodeling, and skin rejuvenation, yet their use in managing skin conditions specific to residual limbs after amputation remains underexplored. Individuals with limb loss frequently experience skin pathology such as folliculitis, hyperkeratosis, scar contracture, chronic wounds, and volume instability, which can significantly impair prosthetic fit, function, and quality of life. This narrative review synthesizes existing dermatologic laser applications and clinical experience to explore their potential adaptation for residual limb care. Cutaneous lasers offer minimally invasive options with favorable safety profiles to address chronic wounds, contracted scars, inflammatory skin disorders, and follicular pathologies common in this population. Treatment benefits may include improved scar remodeling, enhanced wound healing, reduction of contractures, and facilitation of medication delivery, all contributing to better prosthetic compatibility and patient outcomes. While side effects such as pain and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur, laser procedures are generally well tolerated. Despite a growing population of persons with amputation in the United States and an increasing incidence due to advances in trauma care, laser therapy remains an underutilized tool in the multidisciplinary rehabilitation of persons with limb loss. This review highlights the clinical rationale, therapeutic potential, practical considerations, and precautions relevant to laser use on residual limbs, emphasizing the need for greater awareness among healthcare providers. Given the limited direct research in this field, extrapolation from broader dermatologic literature supports laser therapy as a promising adjunct to improve skin health and function in persons with amputation. Further studies are warranted to establish standardized protocols and optimize outcomes specific to residual limbs.

Figures