Odor, Sweat, and Hygiene with a Cast
Reduce odor and keep the cast comfortable without getting padding wet or irritating your skin.
- Keep the cast dry—moisture is the #1 cause of odor.
- Air out the outside of the cast with a fan; keep bedding/clothing dry.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe skin around the cast edges.
- If approved, use a small amount of mild soap on exposed skin only; rinse and dry well.
- Call if odor is strong, sudden, or paired with pain or drainage.
- Do not spray deodorants, powders, or perfumes into the cast.
- Do not pour water inside the cast to “rinse it out.”
- Do not use heat to dry a damp cast.
- Do not ignore foul odor with fever or increasing pain.
- Do not cover the cast with plastic for long periods (traps sweat).
1) Check for dampness: sniff near edges and feel for wet padding.
2) Dry the outside with a towel; use a fan for 15–30 minutes.
3) Clean exposed skin gently; dry thoroughly.
4) Re-check odor after a few hours; mild smell can be normal, foul smell is not.
5) If odor persists or you have pain/drainage, call us for evaluation.
- Foul odor, drainage, fever, or increasing pain.
- Wet padding or a cast that feels soft inside.
- New hot spot or burning pain (possible skin breakdown).