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Admittedly, there are few things more maddening than having an itch that can’t be scratched. People with casts have been known to improvise a variety of tools to reach and eliminate the itch: pens, tongue depressors, coat hangers and other household items.
The problem is that these approaches can create an even worse problem. If the implement breaks the skin, there’s a good chance the wound will get infected. And, because the infection is concealed by a cast, it may not be readily apparent to the person. Needless to say, this is not a good situation.
The best way to treat the itch is to find safe ways to dry the moisture under the cast. Talcum powder can be very effective, though a tight cast might make it hard to deliver to the itch. Another recommendation is a hair dryer on the cool setting. This will dry out the area and, hopefully, relieve the itch. It is critically important to set the hair dryer to the coolest setting; otherwise, there’s a burn risk.
At night, Benadryl can also help control the itch. Benadryl doubles as a sleep aid and can help people avoid scratching in their sleep. Of course, because Benadryl does make people sleepy, this solution is not recommended during the day.
The problem is that these approaches can create an even worse problem. If the implement breaks the skin, there’s a good chance the wound will get infected. And, because the infection is concealed by a cast, it may not be readily apparent to the person. Needless to say, this is not a good situation.
The best way to treat the itch is to find safe ways to dry the moisture under the cast. Talcum powder can be very effective, though a tight cast might make it hard to deliver to the itch. Another recommendation is a hair dryer on the cool setting. This will dry out the area and, hopefully, relieve the itch. It is critically important to set the hair dryer to the coolest setting; otherwise, there’s a burn risk.
At night, Benadryl can also help control the itch. Benadryl doubles as a sleep aid and can help people avoid scratching in their sleep. Of course, because Benadryl does make people sleepy, this solution is not recommended during the day.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.