Shriners Children’s Southern California Shares Expert Tips on Summer Cast Care

Summer is a time for swimming, vacations and outdoor adventures, but for children recovering from a broken bone, wearing a cast in the scorching heat can make the season less enjoyable. While a cast shouldn't keep kids from making summer memories, it does require extra care to prevent moisture, dirt and damage.

Shriners Children's Southern California is sharing expert tips to help children stay comfortable and keep their cast in good condition throughout the summer.

Physicians typically see an increase in fractures during the summer months as children spend more time playing sports, riding bikes and enjoying outdoor activities. Recovery often requires wearing a cast for anywhere from a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of the injury and the healing process.

According to pediatric orthopedic surgeon Cynthia Nguyen, M.D., at Shriners Children’s Southern California, sweating and itching are the biggest complaints patients have while wearing a cast, especially during the summer months. While it might be tempting to use a pen or other long, thin object to scratch an itch inside a cast, it’s not recommended.

“Please never let kids stick anything inside their cast – even small objects can damage the skin and possibly lead to infection,” said Dr. Nguyen. “If your child is dealing with common discomforts, try these safe alternatives: cool down a hot limb by blowing air over it with a fan or a blow dryer on the cold setting. If it is itchy, gently tap the outside of the cast with a spoon; the light vibrations help trick the brain and relieve the urge to scratch.”

Parents should also watch for warning signs that require medical attention. Increasing pain, a feeling that the bone has shifted, changes in the color of the fingers or toes, or numbness and tingling should all be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

Swimming is a summertime activity that usually has to wait when a patient is wearing a traditional cast. While a few splashes might not be a problem, fully submerging a traditional cast will damage it, creating a damp environment where mold and bacteria can grow. This can lead to unpleasant odors, skin irritation and an increased risk of infection.

Depending on the type of fracture or injury, patients at Shriners Children's Southern California may be given the option for a waterproof cast that allows them to bathe, swim and participate in other water activities during recovery.

“Potentially having to change summer plans due to a cast might be disappointing,” said Dr. Nguyen, “but it is a short-term sacrifice that helps kids heal fully for a lifetime of fun.”