Plaster Cast Care Essentials in children at home

The plaster cast is given to your child to treat an injury or after surgery to provide rest to the limb. Therefore the role of a plaster cast is to keep the arm/leg in a certain position and to protect the operated area while it heals. The most important and essential part of orthopaedic home management is cast care. Caring for a child's plaster cast properly at home is crucial to protect the injured limb, ensure proper bone healing, and prevent complications like skin infections or poor blood circulation.

Key Rules for Cast Care -

Keep It Dry: Plaster casts usually take 24 to 48 hours to dry completely. Water will weaken or break down the plaster. During baths or showers, double-wrap the cast in a waterproof plastic bag sealed with tape or rubber bands. Never submerge the cast in water.
Reduce Swelling: Keep the cast elevated above the level of the child's heart whenever they are sitting or lying down using pillows.
Encourage Movement: Prompt your child to wiggle their fingers or toes frequently throughout the day to boost blood circulation and keep swelling down.
Relieve Itching Safely: Itching under the cast is very common. Use a hairdryer set to the cool setting at the openings of the cast.
- Never insert objects (like pencils, rulers, or knitting needles) inside the cast, as they can tear the skin or cause infection.
- Avoid powders, lotions, or oils under or around the edges of the cast.
Decorating: Decorating the cast with markers or ink pens is fine, but do not paint or apply oil-based materials, as this clogs the pores of the plaster and prevents air from reaching the skin.