Comparison of cast-associated pruritus prevention using calamine lotion and talcum powder: A randomized trial
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Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacy between calamine lotion and talcum powder in reducing pruritus in patients having distal radius fractures treated with short arm casts.
Materials and methods: Patients having a closed distal radius fracture without associated injuries aged 15-80 years visiting our emergency unit were randomized into talcum powder and calamine groups. All patients were treated by closed reduction and a short arm cast for four weeks. Atarax and paracetamol were prescribed for rescue medication. Patients were requested to report their pruritus score (0-10) daily in a supplied diary. The patients were followed up at one week for cast changing and then every week until cast removal. After cast removal, the skin condition was inspected for skin problems and the patients rated their satisfaction with the overall treatment.
Result: Thirty-four patients with distal radius fractures were randomized into talcum powder (19) and calamine (15) groups. The most common causes of fracture were fall and motor vehicle accident. No patient was lost to follow-up during the study period. Patients in the calamine group reported a significantly lower mean pruritus scores than those in the talcum powder group at the end of treatment period. There were no significant differences in the mean usage of rescue medication, complications, and satisfaction with treatment between the two groups.
Conclusion: Calamine lotion showed a better efficacy in reducing pruritus associated with casts than talcum powder in patients having distal radius fracture treated with short arm cast.
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References
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