Unfortunately, if you want your bones to heal properly from an injury, you’re likely to need a cast.  What’s more, you are likely going to need to wear one for an extensive amount of time.  Possibly for weeks, even months!  Therefore, it’s unsurprising that things can get a bit hot and sweaty.

This can also lead to bad smells.  While you can always bathe with a cast providing you use waterproof cast covers, dealing with a bad smell beneath your bandage is another problem entirely.  With that in mind, how do you best deal with a smelly cast, and what could it mean?

Why Do Casts Smell?

Ultimately, casts can smell simply because the area beneath it isn’t being cleaned.  However, it might also be a sign of an infection.  The worse a smell gets, the more likely it is that you could have a skin complaint that’s impossible to see.

If you do think you may have an infection and it is starting to smell foul, always see a doctor.  Book in with your specialist as soon as you can.  They will carefully remove your cast to address the issue underneath.  If it is an infection, you may receive antibiotics or other treatment.

NEVER try to deal with a smelly cast on your own by removing your bandage or dressings.  This could cause you a lot of pain and may even stop your bones from healing.

Safe Ways to Handle Smelly Casts

Thankfully, there are a few safe ways you can manage and handle smelly casts.  The most important thing to do is to avoid getting a cast wet.  Moisture build-up is a prime cause of most smells beneath casts and bandages.

Covering your cast is a great way to stop water from getting in, and to prevent moisture build-up altogether.  A good cast cover will help to keep things air-tight.  Not only that, but they will also allow you to bathe easily, helping you to keep odour-free everywhere else!

Some sources suggest that powdering your cast, such as with baking soda, might be a good way to reduce smells.  However, you should avoid using anything likely to carry perfume anywhere near your cast.  Bathroom and beauty products could damage your bandage in the same way water can – it simply isn’t worth the risk.

It’s a Common Complaint

Unfortunately, you may otherwise just have to deal with any odours and smells!  It’s unlikely these will get too bad unless you are near the end of your treatment, or if your cast is wet or moist underneath.  Otherwise, do remember that a cast is just a temporary measure.  Soon enough, you can take it off and wash, spray and perfume yourself as usual.

Otherwise, a great way to protect against liquid ingress is to invest in a cast cover.  Take a look at our further guides and posts for more advice and do take your time through our online shop.  Keep your cast dry at all costs!

Further Support and Guidance

Please note that the above guide is advisory only and should not replace any medical support or guidance.  We recommend asking any questions you may have regarding your cast and injury during consultations.  Do always take care with your cast, and never over-exert yourself.

However, if you are interested in buying a cast cover, there are plenty of great choices available online.  Why not take a look at our range, or call our team for more information?

About Heather Gatland

Chief Cast Cover Checker at Cast Covers NZ

After finding that Waterproof Cast Covers made life with a leg cast so much easier for showering and swimming, Heather wanted to help others to also have an easier recovery. So after extensively researching and extensively testing Cast Cover brands worldwide, Heather founded Cast Covers NZ in 2015. With her 5 years of “hands-on” experience working with medical professionals, hospitals, extensive business experience and Chartered Accountant qualification, Heather knows all the ins and outs of the Cast Covers market. Heather’s goal of helping kiwis, like herself has come true. Heather still loves researching and sharing her findings on the Cast Covers blog as well as enjoys supporting customers in getting back to feeling happy and active during their recovery.

 

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