Spica Cast Care

General Cast Care:

Handle the cast as little as possible during the first 24 hour drying time. It will dry more quickly if kept uncovered.
Pink waterproof tape has been used to bind the edges of the cast.
Avoid getting the cast wet as it will soften and become odorous.
If the cast does become damp, dry it by exposing it to air or by using a hair dryer on the COOL setting. Make sure it thoroughly dry before applying weight to it.
The cast may be autographed with markers, but do not paint it with anything.
Avoid putting any objects, powders, or creams onto the cast or the skin.

Skin Care:

Keep the skin around the cast clean and dry. Change diapers frequently (about every 2 hours) to help prevent the skin irritation.
DO NOT POKE ANY objects to scratch and itchy area of skin. This may cause skin injury and infection.
Reach under the cast frequently to pull out plaster, food crumbs or other objects. These items can cause pressure areas and irritation.

Positioning:

Turn your child about every two hours during the day.

Aids for positioning: bean bag chair, pillows, wagon, or SPICA chair.

You may have to reposition your child at night time to ensure comfort.

Checking Circulation:

Check your child’s toes several times a day and look for the following signs:

Is he/she able to wiggle toes?
Are they warm and pink?
Is there any swelling or discoloration (blueness)?
Does he/she complain of numbness or pain? For a child who is not able to communicate…Is he/she fussy for no apparent reason?

If you notice a loss of sensation (feeling) or movement, coolness, swelling, discoloration, or excessive pain, notify the office. The numbers are listed below.

Diapering:

The pink tape around the edge of the cast helps prevent urine from soaking into cast from the diaper. Apply new tape as needed. Apply small (approximately 2 to 3 inches long), pieces of pink tape on the edges of cast. Each petal should overlap the previous petal to form a smooth neat edge.

Please not if your child has a latex allergy, white foam tape will be used.

To diaper, please use the smaller diaper tucked in smoothly into the cast next to the skin. You may choose to use a sanitary pad for more absorption. Then place the larger diaper on the outside over the cast.

Changing diapers frequently will prevent the cast from being wet. It may be best to change diapers every 2-3 hours during day.

Place a pillow under the mattress at the head of the bed in your child’s crib. The slight elevation will prevent the urine and stool from running up into the cast.