Itching Under a Cast: Safe Relief
Safe ways to relieve itching without damaging your skin or the cast padding.
- Try cool air from a fan or hair dryer on COOL for 1–2 minutes at a time.
- Lightly tap the outside of the cast to “distract” itching.
- Keep skin around the cast clean and dry; trim fingernails short.
- Ask us if an oral antihistamine is appropriate for you.
- Call if itching is intense with burning pain or a hot spot.
- Do not put objects inside the cast (pens, rulers, hangers).
- Do not pour powders, oils, or lotions into the cast.
- Do not use heat to blow into the cast.
- Do not scratch skin at the edges until it breaks.
- Do not ignore worsening itching with drainage/odor.
1) Start with cool air over the itch area for 60–120 seconds.
2) If still itchy, tap the cast lightly or gently rub the outside.
3) Re-check for moisture: itching often worsens if padding is damp.
4) If you feel burning pain, a sharp “pinch,” or a specific hot spot, stop and call.
5) If itching persists daily, ask about padding adjustment at your next visit.
- Burning pain, new hot spot, or skin blistering at the edge.
- Drainage, foul odor, or fever.
- Wet padding or the cast feels soft inside.