Casting Over a Burn

Your child now has a cast over their burn and burn dressing. The cast will protect their hand or foot during the healing process. It will also decrease the need for frequent dressing changes and let your child’s hand or foot heal in the best position.

Cast Care

• Keep the cast dry. No tub baths or showers. Sponge baths only.

• If the outer, stretchy _________ colored layer gets wet or damp, unwrap that layer. Then see if the firm _________ colored layer of the cast is also wet. If the firm layer is wet, the cast will need to come off. Do not use heat to dry the cast. 
• Itching is common during the healing process. Do not put anything into the cast to help with itching.

• Check for comfortable padding around the edges of the cast. If your child pulls out the padding, it may rub or irritate their skin.

Removing the Cast

• If you need to take the cast off, you may do so yourself. The firm _______ colored cast layer will pull off like a hard ace wrap. The cast can be replaced with the temporary protective dressing you are given. Using a temporary dressing will not cause your child to lose full range of motion.
• During the weekday, if you do not want to remove the cast yourself, call the Burn Center for an appointment.
• On nights and weekends, if you do not want to remove the cast yourself, go to the Emergency Room (ER). Be sure to tell the ER staff that your cast is over a burn. They should not:
  • Use a cast saw or sharp tool to remove the cast.
  • Apply another soft cast. A temporary protective dressing is sufficient.

• Call the Burn Clinic after your cast is removed. They will schedule you for the next available appointment to replace the case.

Other Reasons to Call the Burn Clinic

• Moderate discomfort turns into severe or constant pain.
• Blood circulation to the hand or foot appears to be restricted. Signs include swelling, pain when touched, or complaints of feeling numb or tingling.

Contact Information

For all questions or concerns call the Burn Clinic at (614) 722-3910, Monday- Friday,
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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