Caring for your toe prosthesis

The daily rhythm

On in the morning, off at night. Skin is cleaner and drier in the morning, which helps the fit; removing the device at night rests the skin and gives you a moment to check it. That daily skin check matters for everyone and is essential for diabetic feet: look for redness that doesn't fade within twenty minutes, rubbing, broken skin or anything unusual, and if you find it, leave the device off and speak to your clinician or care team.

Putting it on and taking it off

• Skin should be clean and completely dry; moisture weakens grip and can irritate.
• Roll or ease the device on gently rather than yanking; your clinician will show you the knack at fitting.
• Never use sharp objects to remove it. Ease the edge and roll it off.
• A tiny amount of skin-safe lubricant can help if fitting is tight; your clinician can recommend one.

Cleaning

• Daily: wash with mild soap and lukewarm water, inside and out, then air dry fully before wearing or storing.
• Avoid: harsh solvents, bleach, acetone and abrasive scrubbing, which damage the surface and the colour.
• Feet-specific: feet sweat inside shoes, so a quick wash after heavy days, sport or long walks keeps the device fresh. Socks help too.

Water, sun and heat

Swimming and showering are fine; silicone doesn't mind water. Rinse in fresh water after pools and the sea, and dry before re-wearing. Prolonged direct sunlight and high heat are the enemies of colour and shape over time: don't store the device on a windowsill or a car dashboard, and keep it away from radiators and hair dryers.

Footwear and activity

Normal footwear is exactly what the device is designed for, and filling the toe box is part of its job. A few sensible notes: break in the combination gradually with new shoes; tight, rigid toe boxes accelerate wear on any prosthesis; and for impact sports or steel-capped work boots, ask your clinician whether they'd recommend wearing the device or leaving it home, some patients keep a simple toe filler for those shoes instead.

Nails and polish

On many devices the silicone nail can take ordinary nail polish. Use a gentle, acetone-free remover, and test your polish on an inconspicuous edge first. Your clinician will confirm what your specific device tolerates.

Storage

When it's off, store the device clean, dry, and away from sunlight and heat, ideally in the case or pouch it came with, and out of reach of pets, who find silicone unreasonably interesting.

When to see your clinician

• The fit loosens or tightens noticeably (feet change over time, and so can residual toes).
• Any tear, split or lifting edge appears.
• Colour no longer matches after years of wear, or after significant tanning.
• Any persistent skin irritation underneath.

Silicone devices are consumables on a scale of years: with good care, expect several years of daily wear before a remake. Your clinician remains your point of contact throughout, and BioDigit devices are backed by a clear delivery and remake policy.