Plaster casts in children

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Plaster casts in children

Your child has had a plaster cast applied to hold their bones in a fixed position to aid recovery. Plaster casts are made up of a bandage and a hard covering (usually Plaster of Paris). They usually need to stay on for a few weeks.

Taking good care of your cast will help ensure a better recovery.

Please read the following care advice and tips

Do:

• Keep the plaster cast dry.
• Keep the limb raised, if advised to do so. This lessens the chance of any swelling.
• Observe for signs of staining if there was an underlying wound.
• Follow advice given about exercising all joints that are not covered by the plaster cast to help improve your circulation such as your elbow, knee, fingers or toes.
• Observe for signs of discoloration affecting fingers or toes.
• Seek advice if there is any pain in the fingers or toes.
• Please give painkillers if your child is experiencing any discomfort following application of the cast.

Do not:

• Do not take any bath or showers, walk on wet grass or in puddles as it will cause the plaster to disintegrate.
• You can discuss the use of waterproof protectors with the healthcare professional who consults with you or the plaster technicians.
• Do not put anything inside the cast. This could irritate the skin and cause an infection.
• Do not use talcum powder or creams inside the plaster cast. These become gritty when mixed with sweat which could also irritate the skin and cause an allergy or infection.
• Do not cut or heat the plaster cast.

Plaster cast problems

You should go to your local hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) department if:
• Your plaster cast still feels too tight after keeping it elevated for 24 hours.
• Your fingers or toes on the affected limb feel swollen, tingly, painful (following the use of painkillers) or numb.
• Your fingers or toes turn blue or white.
• Your cast feels too loose.
• Your cast is broken or cracked.
• The skin underneath or around the edge of your cast feels sore.
• There is an unpleasant smell or discharge from your cast.

General support

For general medical advice please use the NHS website, the NHS 111 service, walk-in-centres, or your GP.
NHS website provides online health information and guidance.
There are walk-in and urgent treatment services at Brighton Station, Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre, Lewes Victoria Hospital, Horsham Minor Injuries Unit and Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital.