Dealing with Smelly Casts – And What They Could Mean

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Dealing with Smelly Casts – And What They Could Mean

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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Customer Testimonials

We've helped thousands of people find relief while they are recuperating and we're an ACC approved vendor. 
Meet a few of our customers and see how Cast Covers has impacted their recovery:

'"We have just returned from a 2 week holiday in Rarotonga. Before we left our 8-year-old daughter fell off her scooter and broke both bones in her arm. This was a huge blow for us as our holiday was all booked and we were nearly packing to leave. I went online and google searched cast covers and thankfully you guys came up! I was absolutely blown away by how amazing this product was … no more plastic bags, yay !!! Our girl was able to enjoy the holiday just like the rest of us, even diving and jumping into the pool and snorkelling out in the lagoon for hours on end. We have just had her cast removed but will be holding onto this wee gem for the future, thanks so much!!!  I can’t stress enough how awesome your product is. Even after using it every day for 6 weeks in plaster it’s still in absolutely pristine condition." 

Jenna Sayer, Queenstown

" I would just like to congratulate you not only on the great service, but also the great product i.e. Waterproof Protector. My wife received hers yesterday, she has been suffering from an ulcer on the lower part of her leg which has required heavy bandaging twice a week for some time, and today had the first carefree shower that she has been able to have for many weeks. We will both be eternally grateful for this great product. Thank you so very much."

Neville & Dian Butler

"Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how I am going with my evenup. 

I have been using it every day since going from a cast into a moonboot and honestly do not know what I would do without it! Although I am still uneven due to my moonboot having a particularly large sole to it, the evenup at least reduces the strain on my other Achilles’ tendon and my hips and back. 

I have been interested to observe that few physiotherapists are even aware these are available and are very impressed with the concept on seeing mine." 
                                                                          
Louise Manders

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