First Aid & Emergencies

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Itchy skin is common under a cast. Blowing cool air from a hair dryer or fan into the cast may help. Never stick anything inside your cast to scratch the skin.

Don't use oils or lotions near your cast. If the skin becomes red or irritated around the edge of the cast, you may pad the edges with a soft material or use tape to cover it. Call your doctor if you think you have a skin infection.

Complications of wearing a cast

Severe or increasing pain may be a symptom of a serious problem. Compartment syndrome is caused by swelling within the space or "compartment" that contains muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. Pressure on arteries, veins, and nerves causes severe pain, slows circulation to the muscles and nerves, and may cause permanent damage to these tissues. Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

Pressure sores are another problem that may develop over a bony area under the cast or splint, such as an elbow or ankle. You may get a pressure sore if your cast or splint is too tight. A warm spot on the cast or splint, pain, drainage, or an odor are symptoms that a pressure sore or skin infection may be present. Call your doctor if you think you have a pressure sore or skin infection under your cast or splint.