Paediatrics - Care of your child's cast

Your child has been placed in a cast. This is to stop him or her moving that particular part of the body to allow time for healing. This is usually because your child has had an injury or following an operation.

What should I do while the cast is drying?

• Allow the cast to dry naturally. Do not use artificial heat sources (e.g. a hairdryer) to try and speed this up because the cast could become very hot and burn the skin
• Whilst it is drying try to avoid your child bumping or standing on the cast. Do not let them rest it on a hard surface as this can cause dents which may rub the skin

How do I look after my child’s dry cast?

• Do not let your child get the cast wet as it will soften the cast and the padding will stay wet against the skin causing skin sores
• Keep the cast clean and dry. Do not alter, cut the cast or damage it in any way
• Don’t let your child push anything down the cast to scratch the skin as this may cause sore areas under the skin
• Encourage your child to exercise the joints not held in the cast as much as possible and ensure that they move their fingers and toes regularly
• Painkiller medication may be given if required. Please follow the instruction on the bottle

When should I be concerned and contact the hospital?

• If your child’s fingers and toes become cold, blue or swollen especially if it does not improve after 30 minutes of raising the arm of leg
• If your child complains of persistent numbness or pins and needles in their fingers and toes of the limb in cast
• If the cast becomes wet, cracked or damaged in any way
• If the cast becomes too loose or too tight and your child complains of painful rubbing beneath or around the edges of the cast
• If the cast becomes wet or has an unpleasant smell
• If an object is dropped inside the cast and becomes stuck

For any concerns prior to your next fracture clinic appointment please contact your local Accident and Emergency department for advice.