The Best Way to Remove Dead Skin After a Cast Removal

After a cast is removed, the skin underneath will appear white, flaky and hard 1. Your body continued to produce new skin cells, but was unable to remove the dead skin cells trapped beneath the cast. Removal of all the dead skin cells at once is impossible, and attempting to do so will cause bleeding. The best way to remove the dead skin cells is with a slow and careful regimen of exfoliating and moisturizing. This process allows the new, sensitive skin to heal and reduce the chances of infection.

Soak the area of dead skin in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes. Increased sensitivity of the skin will make hot water painful. In addition, hot water will draw moisture from the skin, whereas warm water softens dry skin.

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Dry the area with a soft, terrycloth towel, rubbing lightly to remove loose skin. Do not scrub the skin.

Apply a moisturizer to the dead skin. A thick body butter or baby oil will hydrate dry patches of skin and keep dead skin cells hydrated so that they slough off naturally.

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Carry a moisturizer with you to reapply throughout the day to alleviate itching or pain while the dead skin sloughs and the new skin toughens and heals.

Wrap exfoliated skin in a single layer of gauze to protect it from long clothing and to allow the skin to breathe. If you are at home, leave skin exposed to the air as much as possible to allow the new skin to heal and to firm like the rest of your skin.

Tips

Add mineral oil or baby oil to the water bath for additional hydration.

Warnings

Do not use an exfoliating scrub or pick at dry skin. Both will cause bleeding.