Is plastered? How to take care of it?

What is plaster cast?

Plaster casts are made of plaster of Paris added to bandages. Once it is immersed in water it softens and is applied in layers on and around the molded part during the setting and hardening phase Plaster Cast or slab is applied to treat the fractures or soft tissue injuries and also to give rest to the joint and limb to keep the joint in the desire position. Plaster cast is kept in position for 4 to 12 weeks or more depending upon the fracture or the problem

How to take care of plaster cast?

Keep your limb (arm or leg) elevated on soft pillow all the time during first few days Elevation of the limb will reduce the swelling and thus will decrease pain 

Do not get the plaster cast become wet and avoid moisture on the plaster cast. If you make the cast wet then it will become week and will broke and will not support your limb well and the fracture will not unite properly and may go in to malunion 

Do not cover the plaster by and plastic or polythene cover as the plaster cast is having pores and thus it breaths and keep your skin healthy below the cast. Your skin may become macerated if you keep the cast in plastic for a long time

If your plaster become wet or crack or broke then contact to the hospital immediately and get the doctor’s advice

Do not trim or cut or remove cast on your own.

Do not poke anything below the cast if you are having itching as this may damage the skin under the cast and can cause lacerations and infection. If excessive itching contact your doctor and take medicine.

Do not walk on plaster cast without advice of your doctor.

Few more pieces of advice about plaster cast.

Exercise the joints not covered by plaster cast .Move your fingers and toes in full range of motion. Move your elbow, and knee and exercise range of motion if not incorporated in cast. This will keep your joint in motion and improve circulation and will prevent joint stiffness.

Do not put any powders inside the cast as it may irritate your skin and may cause allergy.

Do not lift heavy objects when you have plaster and do not drive with plaster on.

Use walker and crutches advised by your doctor

Report and contact your doctor and come to hospital if any of these problems

If you feel plaster cast is too tight is spite of keeping elevated for 24 hours

Persistent burning or itching sensation below the cast

If the fingers and toes outside the plaster are swollen or too tight and movements of finger and toes are painful.

If there is any discoloration of the skin of fingers and toes.(blue or white)

If your plaster is too loose or too tight

If your plaster is broken or cracked

If any unpleasant smell or discharge below the plaster.

Take care of your plaster; help yourself for early healing of fractures and speedy recovery.