What do you put on skin after cast removal?

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.

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.

Skin requires special treatment after a cast is removed. The skin will be sensitive to touch and muscles are weak due to the immobilization of the cast 1. Give your skin some special care to help it regain its original condition. Children Specialists of San Diego recommends avoiding rigorous activity for the same amount of time the cast was in place.

Wash the skin gently with mild soap and water. Do not scrub, rub or scratch skin, as it will be sensitive. Soak the area in warm water for 20 minutes twice a day if the skin was enclosed in a cast for more than three weeks. Understand the skin may have an odor--this is normal. The odor will disappear within a few days. The warm soak removes dead skin buildup--don't try to remove the dead skin all at once. It will slowly fall off over the next few days.

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Dry the area by patting or gently rubbing with a clean towel. Apply a fragrance-free lotion to the skin to add moisture and increase skin healing.

Avoid shaving the skin area for three days, suggests The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

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Limit activity and elevate the extremity if swelling occurs. Muscles may have become weakened and stiff with no use. Apply ice as needed to decrease swelling.

Contact a medical professional if there are open sores where the cast was placed. Look for signs of infection including redness, abnormal swelling and a fever which is not relieved by acetaminophen.

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