Scratching Inside a Cast: What to Do When It’s Itchy and Uncomfortable
Breaking a bone can be a painful experience, and wearing a cast or a splint can be uncomfortable. One of the most common complaints of people with casts is getting an itch in the casted area. While scratching inside a cast can be difficult, there are several ways to alleviate the discomfort without compromising the healing process. Here, we discuss some of the best ways to scratch inside a cast.
Why You Shouldn’t Scratch Inside a Cast
Scratching inside a cast can be tempting, but it’s important to avoid doing so. Your skin needs to breathe and to receive proper ventilation to heal. Scratching is a natural reaction when we feel itchy, but doing so will only worsen the situation. When you scratch inside a cast, the skin may become irritated and inflamed, which can lead to a bacterial infection. Also, scratching too hard can cause the plaster or fiberglass to crack, which can affect the healing and prolong the recovery period.
Can I Apply Lotion Inside a Cast to Relieve the Itch?
Applying lotion inside a cast may seem like the easiest solution to relieve the itch, but it’s not recommended. The lotion can mix with sweat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Also, the lotion can cause the cast to become soft and lose its shape. If you feel that the skin around the cast is dry, you can apply lotion or moisturizer to the unaffected areas of the skin.
How to Scratch Inside a Cast Safely
While it’s not recommended to scratch inside a cast, there are some safe ways to alleviate the itch:
- Use a hairdryer: Set your hairdryer to the cool or warm setting and gently blow air inside the cast. The airflow will help alleviate the itch.
- Massage the skin: Use your fingers to gently massage the skin around the cast. This can help relieve the itch and improve blood flow.
- Tap the cast: Tapping the outside of the cast can also help alleviate the itch. Use your fingers or a spoon to gently tap the casted area.
- Use a cast scratching tool: Specialized tools are available that are designed for scratching inside a cast while preventing the skin from getting punctured. These tools can be purchased online or at a medical supply store.
How to Clean the Skin Around a Cast
Keeping the skin around the cast clean and dry is essential in preventing an infection. Here are some tips on how to clean the skin:
- Use a damp washcloth: Gently clean the skin around the cast with a damp washcloth. Use mild soap if necessary.
- Dry the skin: Use a clean, dry towel to dry the skin around the cast. Be sure to pat the skin dry gently and avoid rubbing.
- Use a hairdryer: Set your hairdryer to cool or warm and gently blow air inside the cast to dry the skin.
How to Prevent an Itch Inside a Cast
Prevention is always better than cure, and there are several ways to prevent an itch inside a cast:
- Avoid getting the cast wet: Moisture can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth, which can lead to an infection. Cover the cast with a plastic bag when showering or bathing.
- Avoid using powders or lotions: Powders and lotions can mix with sweat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
- Keep the cast elevated: Elevating the cast can help alleviate pressure on the affected area and reduce swelling.
Signs of a Complication and When to Call a Doctor
While itching inside a cast is normal, there are some signs of a complication that you should look out for:
- Foul odor
- Yellow or green discharge from the casted area
- Increased pain or discomfort
- Fever or chills
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately. Delaying treatment or ignoring these symptoms can lead to a serious bacterial infection that may require antibiotics or even surgery.
Conclusion
Scratching inside a cast can be challenging and dangerous. However, there are several safe ways to alleviate the itch without compromising the healing process. Remember to keep the skin around the cast clean and dry, and to seek medical attention if you experience any signs of a complication.
FAQs
- Q: Can I scratch inside a cast with a coat hanger?
- A: No, using a coat hanger or any other sharp or pointed object to scratch inside a cast can puncture the skin and cause an infection. Specialized tools are available that are designed for scratching inside a cast while preventing the skin from getting punctured. These tools can be purchased online or at a medical supply store.
- Q: Can I apply lotion inside a cast to moisturize dry skin?
- A: No, applying lotion inside a cast is not recommended as the moisture can mix with sweat and create an ideal environment for bacterial growth. If you feel that the skin around the cast is dry, you can apply lotion or moisturizer to the unaffected areas of the skin outside the cast.
- Q: How can I keep the skin around the cast dry?
- A: Keeping the skin around the cast clean and dry is essential in preventing an infection. You can cover the cast with a plastic bag when showering or bathing, use a hairdryer to dry the skin, or use a damp washcloth to gently clean the skin around the cast.
- Q: Can I swim with a cast?
- A: It’s not recommended to swim with a cast as getting the cast wet can lead to an infection. If you must swim, cover the cast with a waterproof cast protector or avoid getting the cast wet.
References
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Broken Bone. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-bone/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353847
Healthline Medical Team. (2021). How to Scratch an Itch under a Cast. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-can-i-scratch-an-itch-under-a-cast#symptoms
English J, Roberts A, Dixon A. Clinical review: A review of the complications and outcomes following ‘trapdoor’ treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Bone Joint J. 2013;95-B(1):45-50. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.95B1.30745