How to Scratch Under Your Cast

An itchy cast can seem unbearable, but there are ways to find relief, and even prevent it from happening. Inserting objects into your cast or damaging the cast's materials may worsen symptoms, but there are many ways to safely get rid of this itchy feeling.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Finding Relief

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The hair dryer must be on a cool setting, as warm or hot air may worsen symptoms or burn skin. Blow the air from the dryer between the cast and your skin.^{[1]XResearch source}
Using a wooden spoon or your hand, vibrations to your cast may help relieve an itchy sensation. Vibrations through knocking are safer than sticking objects inside your cast for relief.
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Massage the exposed skin near the cast. By massaging the skin nearby the itch, there may be some relief. Be careful when massaging exposed skin near your cast to avoid painful areas. The massage may generate sensations on the skin that redirect your focus away from the itch.
- Massage also increases circulation in the area of the cast, which will speed up healing.
By wrapping a water-tight ice pack around your cast, the cooling sensation may help to provide relief. Considering using an unopened bag of frozen vegetables as a substitute for an ice pack. Just make sure the condensation from the ice pack doesn’t leak.^{[2]XResearch source}
Consider using an over-the-counter antihistamine, or a prescription from your physician. Medications by mouth such as Benadryl can be used to reduce itchy feelings if the other options aren't working. This will help calm your body’s reaction to a skin irritant.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}

Part 2

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Avoiding Irritants

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Avoid using tools that may lead to infection, or get trapped in your cast. Do not stick objects inside your cast as a way to calm your itch. Scratching your skin with these objects may break skin or lead to infection. You also may end up going to additional doctor's visits, or need to get a new cast put on, due to items that are now trapped inside the cast. These items include: ^{[4]XResearch source}
- Chopsticks
- Pencils or other writing tools
- Coat hanger wire
Powders and lotions may reduce perspiration on the skin, but should only be used outside the cast so that the skin stays clean and soft. Powder inside a cast can cake and cause sores. If your cast has a perspiration odor, this is normal; however, if you notice an unusual or foul odor coming from the cast contact your doctor.
Even though that itchy, scratchy feeling may feel miserable, damaging your cotton lining to your cast, or loosening your cast, may make matters worse. For some casts, the cotton lining is used to protect the skin from a saw blade when the cast is removed. Without that protective lining in its proper place, the skin may get scratched during removal.

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Preventing an Itchy Cast

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Keep your cast away from water. A cast needs to stay away from water or anything that will add moisture. Though at certain times, getting your skin wet will happen due to perspiration, there are ways limit your exposure to water or excess moisture:
- Bathe in a bathtub with your arm or leg out of the water. If you must use plastic to cover your cast while bathing, use duct tape and secure it with multiple layers of plastic.
- Avoid walking or standing in water while wearing a cast.
- Cover your cast shoe before walking in the rain or snow. Your cast shoe should only be removed when bathing or sleeping.
Reduce your time in hot and sunny areas, since you'll sweat more. Strenuous exercise should be done in a climate controlled environment to reduce sweat and moisture that can create that itchy feeling.
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Restrict your cast from getting dirt, mud, or sand inside. Any grainy materials that end up inside the cast may generate further irritation and make the itchy feeling worse. Keep your cast clean and dry is best.
- Use a damp cloth and scouring powder to clean soiled spots on the cast. Be sure to brush away plaster crumbs or other objects from the edges of the cast, but do not remove or rearrange any padding. Do not break off or trim cast edges.
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Seek medical attention when there are bigger problems. While an itchy cast may be frustrating, it’s common. Be on the look-out for these possible complications with your cast: ^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Pressure sores due to a cast that is too tight, or not fitting properly
- Unpleasant and strange odors from mold or mildew, after the cast and your skin have been wet for a prolonged time
- Compartment syndrome, with symptoms like numbness in your affected limb, cold or pale skin with bluish color, increased pain or swelling, and burning or stinging sensations
- You develop a fever or skin problems at the cast edges
- Your cast breaks, cracks or develops soft spots
- Your cast becomes badly soiled
- You feel blister or sore developing inside the cast

Expert Q&A

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Question
Do you have any other ideas for how to scratch under a cast, because your suggestions are not a good idea and could cause infection?
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Expert Answer
Unfortunately, since the area of the skin under the cast can be “scratched” only indirectly, the above mentioned ideas are the best known solutions to the problem.
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Warnings

When you're done with your hair dryer for relief, make sure you unplug it.
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Consult your doctor about any concerns about itchy skin or caring for your cast, if symptoms worsen.
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