Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Finding enlightenment
• Part 2 of 3: Avoid irritants
• Part 3 of 3: Prevent itching under your cast
• Warnings

If you have an itch under your cast, the itching can feel unbearable, but luckily there are ways to relieve the itching and even prevent itching. Sticking objects into the cast and damaging the material can make your symptoms worse. Fortunately, there are a lot of other ways to safely get rid of that annoying itch.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Finding enlightenment

1. Blow cool air under the cast with a hair dryer. Make sure to set the hair dryer to a cold setting, as warm or hot air can worsen your symptoms and burn your skin. Blow the air between the cast and your skin.
2. Make vibrations by patting or tapping your cast. Vibrating your cast can help relieve your itching, whether you're using a wooden spoon or your hand. Making vibrations by patting the cast is safer than putting objects under the cast to get rid of the itching.
3. Massage the bare skin around the cast. Massaging the skin near the itchy area can provide some relief. Be careful to avoid sore spots when massaging your bare skin near the cast. By touching and massaging your skin, you divert your attention from the area that itches.
   • By massaging your skin, you also stimulate blood circulation in that part of the dressing, so that the healing process is accelerated.
4. Cool your cast quickly with an ice pack. Wrapping a waterproof ice bag around your cast can help soothe the itching with coolness. Consider using an unopened bag of frozen vegetables instead of an ice pack. However, make sure that the condensation on the bag does not leak into the dressing.
5. Discuss medications with your doctor. Consider using an over-the-counter antihistamine or prescription medication from your doctor. You can use oral medicines to relieve itching if other methods don't work. This helps to suppress your body's response to the irritant.

Part 2 of 3: Avoid irritants

1. Do not use devices that can cause infections or get stuck in your cast. Do not put any objects in your cast to get rid of the itching. Scratching your skin with an object can break your skin or get you an infection. You may need to see your doctor more often or have a new cast because objects are trapped in the bandage. This concerns objects such as:
   • Chopsticks
   • Pencils and other writing utensils
   • Iron clothes hangers
2. Use as little powder and lotion as possible. Powders and lotions can reduce the amount of sweat on your skin, but they should be on their own Outside the bandage applied so that the skin remains clean and soft. Powder in a cast can cake and cause ulcers. It is normal for your cast to smell like sweat. However, if there is an unusual or foul odor coming from the dressing, contact your doctor.
3. Do not pull or tear the liner of the cast. The itchy, itchy feeling can drive you crazy, but damaging the cotton wool lining or loosening the cast can make the problem worse. Some casts use a cotton wool liner to protect the skin from the saw when the dressing is removed. If the protective liner is not in place, the skin may be scratched when the dressing is removed.

Part 3 of 3: Prevent itching under your cast

1. Keep your bandages away from water. It is important to keep your cast away from water and anything that causes the dressing to become damp. Sometimes, however, your skin will get wet from sweating, but there are ways you can keep your cast from getting wet or too damp:
   • Put your arm or leg out of the tub when you bathe. If you want to cover your bandage with plastic while taking a bath, use duct tape and cover the cast with several layers of cast. Another option is to use a special plaster cover.
   • Do not walk or stand in water with a cast on your leg.
   • Cover the shoe on your walking cast before walking in the rain or snow. Only remove the shoe from your cast when you bathe and go to sleep.
2. Make sure you sweat less or as little as possible. Stay in warm and sunny places as little as possible, as this will cause you to sweat more. If you want to exercise vigorously, do it in an air-conditioned place to minimize sweating and prevent the moisture in your cast from causing itchiness.
3. Avoid getting dirt, mud, and sand in your cast. Any gritty materials that get into your cast can cause more irritation and make itching worse. It's best to keep your cast clean and dry.
   • Use a damp cloth and scouring powder to clean dirty areas on the cast. Make sure to smooth all beads of plaster and other material off the edges of the cast, but do not touch or move the liner. Do not break or cut edges of the cast.
4. Seek medical attention if you have more serious problems. It can be frustrating to have an itch under your cast, but this is a common problem. Be aware of the following possible complications with your cast:
   • Pressure sores because your cast is too tight or does not fit properly.
   • Unpleasant and strange odors caused by fungus after your cast and skin have been wet for a long time.
   • Compartment syndrome, with symptoms such as numbness in the body part in question, cold or pale skin with a blue tint, pain and swelling that worsens and a burning or stinging sensation.
   • You get a fever or skin problems around the edges of the cast.
   • The dressing breaks, cracks or soft spots.
   • The bandage is getting very dirty.
   • You feel blisters and sores form inside the dressing.

Warnings

• Make sure to unplug the power cord when you're done using your hair dryer.
• Seek advice from your doctor if your symptoms get worse and you are concerned about itchy skin or want to know how to care for your cast.