Comparison of cast-associated pruritus prevention using calamine lotion and talcum powder: A randomized trial

dc.contributor.authorChanin Boontangjai, MD, Boonsin Tangtrakulwanich, MD, Ph.D.en_US
dc.date.accessioned2011-02-22T08:34:09Z
dc.date.available2011-02-22T08:34:09Z
dc.date.created2010-10-27en_US
dc.date.issued2010-10-27en_US
dc.description.abstractObjective: 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.en_US
dc.identifier.citationThe Thai Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery; Volume 34 / Number 3-4 July-October 2010; 1 - 4en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/132550
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.publisherThe Thai Journal of Orthopaedic Surgeryen_US
dc.rightsThe Royal College of Orthopaedic Surgeons of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailanden_US
dc.source.urihttps://thailand.digitaljournals.org/index.php/JRCOST/issue/archiveen_US
dc.source.urihttps://thailand.digitaljournals.org/index.php/JRCOST/article/view/4554en_US
dc.titleComparison of cast-associated pruritus prevention using calamine lotion and talcum powder: A randomized trialen_US
dc.typeArticlesen_US
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