One of the effects of using a cast that feels excruciating is the appearance of itching on the surface of the skin behind the cast. However, there's no need to worry because in fact there are several tips you can practice to reduce itching or even prevent it from occurring in the first place! Instead of scratching the skin behind the cast with the help of a foreign object, try a safer method that doesn't risk irritating your skin!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Relieves Itching
Step 1. Blow cool air into the gap between the cast and the skin using a hairdryer
Remember, make sure the air coming out of the blow dryer is cool, as warm or hot air can actually exacerbate symptoms or burn the skin behind the cast.
Step 2. Generate vibrations by tapping or tapping the surface of the cast
Using a wooden spoon or fingers, try to produce vibrations by tapping or tapping the surface of the cast. Doing so is effective in reducing the itching sensation that appears, you know! After all, tapping on the cast is a much safer method than sticking an object in a cast to relieve itchy skin.
Step 3. Massage the skin around the cast
Massaging the skin around the cast area can also reduce itching. In addition, a light massage is also able to provide a comfortable sensation on the skin that can divert your focus from itching. However, be careful not to massage the painful area!
Massage is also able to increase blood circulation in the area around the cast so that it can speed up your healing process
Step 4. Compress the cast with ice cubes
Wrapping the cast with a cold pad filled with ice cubes is effective in reducing itching that occurs in an instant. If you don't have a cold pack filled with ice cubes, try replacing it with a pack of frozen vegetables. Whichever method you choose, make sure that any moisture adhering to the surface of the compress is not absorbed by the cast.
Step 5. Discuss appropriate treatment methods with your doctor
To reduce the itching that occurs, try using an over-the-counter antihistamine drug or prescribed by a doctor. Oral medications such as Benadryl may also be tried if other options don't work. All of them are able to relieve the body's reaction to various types of irritants.
Part 2 of 3: Avoiding Irritants
Step 1. Do not scratch the skin with objects that could become trapped in the cast and/or pose a risk of infection
Don't put objects in the cast to scratch the itchy skin so it doesn't irritate or even get infected. Of course you don't want to go back to spending money to see a doctor or put on a new cast due to an object stuck in the cast, right? Some of the objects you should avoid are:
- Chopsticks
- Pencil or other stationery
- clothes hanger wire
Step 2. Limit the use of loose powder or lotion
Although it can reduce the intensity of fluid discharge from the skin, loose powder or lotion should only be used outside the cast to keep the skin clean and soft. If sprinkled in a cast, the texture of the powder can clump and irritate the skin. Don't worry if the cast has a damp smell as this is completely normal. However, you should be vigilant and immediately see a doctor if the cast has a different smell or even rots.
Step 3. Do not pull or tear the cast pad
Even if the skin is very itchy, breaking the cotton pad behind the cast or loosening the cast will only make your condition worse. In some types of casts, cotton pads protect the skin from the saw blade used to remove the cast. Therefore, improper positioning of the pads will actually hurt the skin when the cast is removed.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Itching
Step 1. Keep the cast away from water
In fact, casts should not be exposed to water or other objects that have the potential to increase humidity. Although the cast will definitely be exposed to sweat that comes out of the skin pores, at least try to minimize exposure to other fluids by:
- Take your feet or hands out of the tub when you're soaking. If necessary, cover the cast with several layers of plastic and glue them tightly with special insulation.
- Avoid standing water when walking or standing in a cast.
- Wrap a cast shoe before walking in the rain or snow. Cast shoes should only be removed when you are showering or sleeping.
Step 2. Keep your body from being too sweaty or damp
In other words, don't spend too much time in the sun or very hot weather so that your body doesn't sweat too much. If you want to do strenuous exercise, at least do it when the weather is not too hot to reduce the intensity of sweat that risks making the skin feel more itchy.
Step 3. Make sure no dust, dirt, soil or sand gets into the cast
If the cast is entered by a grainy or gritty object, it is likely that the irritation and itching that attacks the skin will get worse. Therefore, make sure you always keep the cast clean and dry.
Use a damp cloth and scouring powder (a type of natural cleaning powder) to clean the dirty part of the cast. Make sure you also clean any grit or debris that sticks to the edges of the plaster, but don't remove or shift the layer of plaster. Also, make sure you don't cut the edges of the cast either
Step 4. Immediately consult a doctor if a more serious medical problem arises
While the itching may be frustrating, it's actually a very common situation. However, you should be vigilant if complications begin to occur which are characterized by:
- The occurrence of decubitus or tissue death because one part of the skin is constantly pressed by a cast that is too tight or not placed properly
- The appearance of a strange and unpleasant smell due to the growth of fungus on the surface of the skin and the cast that is left wet for too long
- Compartment syndrome occurs which is generally accompanied by various symptoms such as numbness of the affected limb, pale or blue skin color, increased pain or swelling, and a burning or stinging sensation.
- The appearance of fever or skin problems at the edges of the cast
- The cast is broken, cracked, or has softened in some places
- The plaster looks really dirty
- The skin behind the cast feels bruised or blistered
Warning
- After using a hairdryer to reduce itching on the skin, make sure you immediately unplug the cord from the wall outlet.
- If your symptoms are getting worse, try to talk to your doctor about the itching that occurs and how to properly care for the cast.
