At the end of the fracture treatment, the plaster cast should be removed using special medical instruments. If you soften the gypsum, you can do it with ordinary scissors with rounded ends. How can this be done?
What is gypsum?
Gypsum is a white or yellowish powder, a mineral from the sulfate class. It is obtained by calcining a gypsum stone (sulphate lime) at a temperature not exceeding 130 ° C.
Gypsum provides reliable fixation and hardens quickly. Due to these qualities, it is actively used in medical practice, being the basis of a plaster cast.
Why is a plaster cast applied?
Medical professionals apply a plaster cast to immobilize the damaged area of the body. Gypsum is used for bone fractures, disorders of the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Thanks to the plaster technique, it is possible to fix the damaged area for further recovery and treatment.
How to remove a plaster cast yourself?
You can release the cast part of the body on your own only when you are sure that the fracture has healed. An x-ray is the best way to verify this.
When removing the plaster, you should be extremely careful and attentive. It must be remembered that the muscles are weak - and any sudden movement can cause pain.
For self-release from plaster you need: warm water, a towel, scissors with rounded ends.
To remove the plaster without medical attention and special tools, it must be softened. To do this, you need to wet it well with clean warm water, put a wet towel on top, and let the plaster soak for 15–20 minutes. Once you are satisfied that it is sufficiently saturated, you need to slowly and carefully cut the bandages and plaster. In order not to damage the surface of the plaster cast part of the body, cut off the plaster in small pieces.
What to do after removing the cast?
Immediately after removing the plaster, it is necessary to wipe the area of the skin underneath with clean water with the addition of a small amount of alcohol. Then, with a soft dry towel, dry it with blotting movements. To avoid irritation and dryness of the skin, apply a moisturizer to your skin.
But it is better to seek medical help
First, an X-ray should be taken. It is necessary in order to know for sure that the fracture has healed.
Secondly, after consulting with your doctor, you need to start developing the joint, gradually increasing the load, following all the prescriptions, doing massage to restore blood circulation.
And, thirdly, it is necessary to observe, which the doctor prescribes. based on foods that contain large amounts of calcium: dairy products, meat, broths.
