Managing Blisters Under a Cast
Hello everyone, I'm a 17-year-old and recently fractured my radial head. About a week ago, I was fitted with a plaster cast and a splint. During my follow-up appointment, the medical staff opted to keep my original cast to stabilize the bone, but they wrapped it once more in standard casting material. After a few days of having the initial cast applied, I began to notice some skin peeling and mild blisters forming. This seems to be a result of either the pressure from the cast, sweaty palms, or simply from keeping my hand in a closed position for extended periods. I made the mistake of applying baby powder to my hand, thinking it might help, but it only worsened the situation by making my skin feel sticky and flaky. I raised my concerns about this condition since it has become quite uncomfortable. The doctor who applied the new cast told me that there's not much I can do aside from occasionally cleaning the area with a baby wipe. Additionally, I wanted to mention that I’m a dancer and continue attending classes as best as I can, which may be contributing to the skin issues I'm experiencing. Now, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to close my hand due to the peeling skin and the associated tightness. Any guidance or insight on this matter would be greatly appreciated! 🙏🙏
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 6:30:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing a frustrating situation with blisters and skin issues under your cast, especially as a dancer who is eager to continue practicing. Managing skin integrity under a cast can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to improve your comfort.
Key Points:
- Blisters and skin peeling can occur due to moisture, friction, and pressure under the cast.
- It's important to maintain skin health to prevent infections and discomfort.
- Avoiding irritants and managing moisture is crucial in your situation.
Explanation:
Blisters and peeling skin under a cast often result from prolonged moisture and pressure in a confined space. Sweat and friction can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to irritation. Your use of baby powder may have trapped moisture against your skin, worsening the issue. As you're still active in dance, the additional pressure and movement could exacerbate these problems.
Next Steps:
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Keep Your Cast Dry: Aim to keep your cast as dry as possible. Avoid any powders or lotions that may trap moisture. Instead, just use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe around the edges where your skin meets the cast to promote dryness.
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Temporary Relief for Blisters: If you have active blisters, avoid popping them as this can lead to infection. You can lightly cover them with a sterile bandage when you are not dancing to protect them from further irritation.
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Limit Pressure: While dancing, try to accommodate your hand's need for comfort. Modify movements that require gripping or putting pressure on your hand to avoid aggravating the blisters.
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Monitor Skin Condition: Keep an eye on the blisters and any peeling skin. If you see red flags like increasing pain, pus, or signs of infection (swelling, severe warmth), it’s important to address this promptly.
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For Existing Irritation: If you can tolerate a brief exposure, consider soaking your hand in lukewarm water for about 10-15 minutes, then gently patting it dry. This can help soothe any irritated skin.
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Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: If the condition doesn't improve or worsens, it’s essential to discuss this again with your doctor or a specialist who can evaluate your cast fit and the condition of your skin.
By focusing on these steps, you should find some relief and better manage the skin issues under your cast. Stay aware of how your hand feels and adjust activities as necessary to keep your healing process on track. Let me know if you need more specific advice!
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