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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Broke Ankle And Has Put Fiber Glass Sock Type. Feels Scratching. What Could Be Causing This?

my ten year old son broke his ankle and has it in plaster - fibre glass sock type that is waterproof. He has had it on for four weeks and has a week to go. (He had a back ankle plaster for a week prior to having this one fitted).
Over the last couple of days he has been saying that it is hurting him - he says it feels like its scratching him at the front where the bend is - meaning leg meets foot. His Dr suggested seeing him however doesnt have an appointment til Monday. Any thoughts as to what could be causing this? Is it possible that it is getting infected since it is not seeing light etc.
Sat, 6 Jul 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement 's  Response
Hi,thanks for writing to HCM.
A certain amount of ITCHING is common after a plaster cast application and can be considered as a NORMAL symptom.
Generally itching is caused by the irritation of the collected dead skin and perspiration over a period of time under the cast and it gets better by itself again over a period of time.
Do not put anything like powder, spray, or a foreign object inside the cast to relieve any itching which may cause skin irritation and may lead to ulceration especially in children.
Some antihistamine preparation which supresses the itching can be used temporarily (after consulting your treating doctor).
Hope this helps
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General & Family Physician Dr. Vakul Aren's  Response
Itching is the commonest problem faced while having a plaster cast on any part of the body.It is unlikely to be infection as then there would be fever and pain,friction of the skin against the cast will irritate the skin ,as will local heat and moisture due to sweating.Using a antihistaminic like Benadryl at bedtime may help.
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Broke Ankle And Has Put Fiber Glass Sock Type. Feels Scratching. What Could Be Causing This?

Hi,thanks for writing to HCM. A certain amount of ITCHING is common after a plaster cast application and can be considered as a NORMAL symptom. Generally itching is caused by the irritation of the collected dead skin and perspiration over a period of time under the cast and it gets better by itself again over a period of time. Do not put anything like powder, spray, or a foreign object inside the cast to relieve any itching which may cause skin irritation and may lead to ulceration especially in children. Some antihistamine preparation which supresses the itching can be used temporarily (after consulting your treating doctor). Hope this helps