It is one thing to treat an injury with a cast. But it is entirely different to handle your skin after cast removal. The good news is that it is usually not tedious, as we explain in this article.
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How to Take Care of Skin After Cast Removal
Here is how to take care of your skin properly after you remove a cast:
Wash and clean the skin with water and mild soap. While doing so, don’t scrub the skin or rub it hard. At this point, it is still susceptible, so you risk breaking it or causing severe irritation if you do.
If the cast was on for over three weeks, it is best to soak the skin in warm water for about twenty minutes, two times a day. The soak softens dead skin and helps to slough it off. But while at it, don’t try to remove the dead skin yourself; you may end up hurting already sensitive skin.
Note that the skin will have an odd smell, but it is normal. The cast has kept air away from that skin area. So, it is only natural for it to smell. Don’t try to wash it away by scrubbing hard on your skin; the smell will slowly disappear over the next few days.
After washing the skin, gently dry it by patting, not rubbing. Always use a clean towel to clean the area. Then, apply a moisturizing lotion to relieve dryness and promote healing; the lotion will lock moisture into the skin and add necessary nutrients.
If the cast was in an area with hair, do not shave it for a couple of days. Doing so will increase the sensitivity and probably cause skin breakage or irritation.
Also, do not put a lot of stress on the skin area. The muscles there are weak due to inactivity, and the skin may be discolored and soft. You may feel some pain or discomfort in the bone and skin. So, any strain on the skin may cause injury. If you notice swelling, raise the extremity and apply a cool compress to reduce the swelling.
Finally, avoid tight clothing for some days while the skin gets better. Tight and uncomfortable clothing may chafe the skin and worsen the issue. However, if you notice sores on the skin from rubbing or some other source, contact a doctor immediately to avoid infection.
Dry Skin After Cast – How to Treat
After removing a cast, soak the skin in warm water to soften dry skin. Do this two times every day. Afterward, apply a moisturizer to the skin area to add moisture and lock in the existing one. It is normal for your skin to be dry after a cast because it is enclosed for a prolonged period. The cast absorbs the moisture in that area, making it look and feel dry.
Avoid scratching or peeling the skin to remove flaky skin. It may take a few days for the flakiness to cease and the dryness to disappear. But while waiting for the healing, protect the skin at all costs and keep it hydrated. Never wash it with hot water; warm or cool water will do.
How to Remove Dead Skin After a Cast
Wash the area with mild soap and water every day. Then, apply some lotion. Keep following this process for as long as your skin needs. The dead skin will slowly but surely slough off over the next couple of weeks. The cast envelopes the skin and prevents dead skin from falling off. That is why you see dry and flaky skin after removing a cast.
Itchy Skin After Cast Removal – Remedy
Itchiness typically accompanies dry skin after cast removal. So, if you treat dry skin, it will take care of itchy skin. However, try not to scratch or rub hard on the skin. You may contact your doctor if the itchiness is extreme. They may recommend a topical cream or treatment to relieve the discomfort. The skin is already sensitive, so you will eventually break it and risk infecting it if you scratch the area all the time.
Red Skin After Cast Removal – Treatment
It is normal to see your skin red and bumpy after removing a cast. But there is not much to do about it except to keep it clean and hydrated. Wash the skin area with mild soap and warm water every day. Use a soft cloth, preferably flannel, to clean the skin. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing so that you do not aggravate the sensitive skin. Afterward, moisturize the skin with a gentle lotion. You may have to keep doing this for several weeks before your skin completely heals.
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Petechiae After Cast Removal – Remedies
If you find red dots on your skin after removing a cast, it means you have a few ruptured blood vessels. In other words, you are bleeding into your skin. To treat it, do the following:
Keep the affected skin area raised while applying a cool compress to relieve the discomfort you feel. Apply some pressure to reduce the bleeding, even though it is usually not serious. Do it as often as needed.
Try protecting the bruise from heat; if you have to shower, use cool water. Do not go to a sauna or steam room for a couple of days. Do not take alcohol or use any tobacco product for a few days, as they may delay the healing process. Also, do not engage in strenuous exercise for at least a day.
Additionally, eat vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins A, E, D, and C. They have a lot of antioxidants and can encourage the healing process. You may also want to apply herbal creams and gels, but that should be under your doctor’s supervision.
These are simple home treatments to handle petechiae. But if you notice increased bleeding or pain, see a doctor.
Skin Infection After Cast Removal – What to Do
See your doctor if your skin becomes infected after cast removal. It is not an issue you can treat at home; it may be more serious than it looks.
Recap
The skin usually does not have serious issues after cast removal. But you may experience heightened sensitivity and some level of discomfort on your skin after cast removal. However, every discomfort disappears after a few weeks. See your doctor if your skin does not get better or you notice blisters and lesions.
