How do I get my skin back to normal after a cast?

Once a cast has been removed, your child’s limb will still require some time to complete the healing process and return to normal function. During this time your child will need to take a extra care and avoid some physical activities.

Índice Show

What to expect
Immediately after cast removal
Joint stiffness
Physiotherapy
Care at home
Don’t scratch
Moisturise often
Keep it clean
When to seek help
Removing your cast
After your cast comes off
How can I fix my skin after a cast?
What does skin look like after cast removal?
Do casts dry out skin?
How long does stiffness last after cast is removed?

What to expect

Immediately after cast removal

Dizziness and/or nausea can happen after cast removal. This can sometimes be delayed. If this happens, please take a seat and inform a member of staff immediately.

Joint stiffness

It is not unusual for joints to be a bit stiff immediately after plaster removal. Elbow fractures can take as long as 12 months to regain full elbow movement, while forearm and ankle injuries will recover faster.

Swelling

The limb may swell for a few months after the cast has been removed. Lower limb fractures (thigh and shin) can cause a limp for three to six months, depending on the injury.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is usually not required for children with simple fractures as their joints return to normal through everyday use.

Care at home

Don’t scratch

Your child may feel the urge to scratch the dry skin off the limb. Try to prevent this as the skin will be very sensitive for the first few days and must be treated delicately.

Moisturise often

Moisturise the limb regularly to help the skin return to its normal condition and relieve any itching.

Keep it clean

Gently wash the limb with mild soap and a soft cloth.

Remember to:

Wash and moisturise the area — dry and flaky skin is normal after a cast is removed.
Exercise all joints through the full range of movement — as much as can be tolerated. Swimming and splashing in a pool is a good way to gently exercise the limb.
Use the limb for light everyday activities

IMPORTANT:

Avoid high-risk activities

High-risk activities should be avoided for the same amount of time as you were in the cast. These include:

Monkey bars
Scooters
Trampoline
Skateboards
Flying foxes
Sports

When to seek help

Seek medical advice if you notice any of the following:

a deformity or progressive deformity developing.
Your child has increased swelling or redness to the affected area.
the injured limb appears to be shorter than the other.
limb function has not returned to pre-injury level in the prescribed amount of time.
you have any concerns that you want to discuss with a doctor.

Contact us

Orthopaedic Outpatients Department
Level 1, Queensland Children’s Hospital
501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane
t: 07 3068 2493
t: 07 3068 1111 (general enquiries)
e:

In an emergency, always call 000.

If it’s not an emergency but you have any concerns, contact 13 Health (13 43 2584). Qualified staff will give you advice on who to talk to and how quickly you should do it. You can phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The day to remove your cast has come. But your recovery isn’t over yet. Your bone is still growing stronger. Keep caring for your injury. And follow your healthcare provider’s instructions until you’re fully healed.

Removing your cast

Your cast will be removed with a special saw that moves back and forth (oscillates). Your skin may tingle or feel warm while the cast is being sawed. Don’t worry! The saw is designed to cut your cast without cutting your skin. To make removal easier, try to hold still while your cast is being sawed.

After your cast comes off

Don’t be surprised if your injured body part looks a little different than it used to. It will return to normal over time. You may have:

Weak muscles. The muscles around your injury will likely have shrunk. This is because they weren’t being used while in a cast. As you start using them again, the muscles will get stronger. Your healthcare provider may suggest exercises to help.
Dry skin. Skin that has been covered by a cast will likely be dry and flaky. Using lotion can help make your skin soft again. Your skin may also be tender. So scratching with your nails can cut the skin. Instead, use your open palm to rub itchy skin. The hair on your skin may look darker as well.
Swelling. Your injury is still healing. So it may swell even after the cast is removed. (This is especially true of leg injuries.) To help reduce swelling, raise the injury higher than your heart. If swelling continues, call your healthcare provider.

How can I fix my skin after a cast?

They will heal and go away on their own. Put a fragrance-free moisturizer on the skin after bathing to help with dry skin. Wait 3 days before shaving the area to give your skin time to heal. Follow your doctor's instructions for any at-home stretching or exercises, or physical therapy.

What does skin look like after cast removal?

After the cast is removed, the skin may be dry, flaky or even smelly. Sometimes the skin appears red with small raised bumps. The hair on the skin may appear darker and thicker than normal. Over time the appearance of the leg will return to normal.

Do casts dry out skin?

Skin that has been covered by a cast will likely be dry and flaky. Using lotion can help make your skin soft again. Your skin may also be tender. So scratching with your nails can cut the skin.

How long does stiffness last after cast is removed?

After having a cast removed, it is normal to experience pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion in the area(s) that were immobilized. Symptoms can last up to twice the amount of immobilization time. For Example, if the patient was in a cast for 3-4 weeks, symptoms may last up to 6-8 weeks.