The patient's page.

Cast Care

If you've ever had to wear a cast, you know that it won't be long before it begins to itch. It can be maddening and relentless, and despite your physician's warnings about scratching it with, say, a coat hanger, sometimes the urge can be overwhelming. Giving in to temptation, however, can have serious consequences. A break in the skin can lead to infection, long-term antibiotic use, surgery, and possibly, limb amputation. Children especially, need to be reminded not to place foreign objects down their casts, and if the patient experiences increased pain, burning, numbness, fever, chills or a foul odor or discharge, they should present to their physician immediately.

"Cast Abscess." By Drs. Kelly Carmichael and Nicholas Goucher. Southern Medical Journal. September 2005.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine 

Although the use of complementary and alternative medicine is on the rise in the United States, a recent study found that up to 50% of patients had not informed their health care provider that they were utilizing alternative therapies. As some of these treatments may cause adverse side effects when combined with conventional therapy, it is crucial that patients keep their physician informed of all medication and treatment regimens. Complementary and alternative medicine comprises a vast array of therapies, which are broken down into five categories: alternative medical systems, which include homeopathic and naturopathic medicine; mind-body medicine, such as prayer and meditation; biologically based therapies, which emphasize natural herbs and vitamins; manipulative and body-based methods, such as chiropractic care; and energy therapies such as qi gong. A few of the more common types of therapies are listed below.

Homeopathic medicine. The restoration of the body to a healthy balance, which is considered its natural state. There is a belief that "like cures like," meaning that small, highly diluted quantities of medicinal substances can cure symptoms, whereas the same substances given at higher dosages would actually cause those symptoms.

Naturopathic medicine. Emphasizes preventive measures to maintain health, such as education, active participation in therapy, and allowing the body's natural healing process to take place. Rather than focusing on a specific disease, treatments are intended, to benefit all aspects of the patient's being.

Acupuncture. Involves stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques.

Aromatherapy. Involves the use of essential oils from flowers, herbs and trees to promote health and well being.

Healing rituals. A type of folk medicine that flourished long before the development of conventional medicine. Folk healers employ a range of remedies including prayer, healing touch or laying on of hands, charms, herbal teas, and magic rituals.

Hypnosis. An altered state of consciousness characterized by increased responsiveness to suggestion. This state is attained by first relaxing the body, then shifting the patient's attention toward a narrow range of objects or ideas as suggested by the therapist.

Meditation. Mental calmness and physical relaxation achieved by suspending the stream of thoughts that normally occupy the mind. Generally performed once or twice a day for approximately 20 minutes, meditation is used to reduce stress, alter hormone levels and elevate mood.

"Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Parents of Children with HIV Infection, Asthma and Well Children." By Drs. Jocelyn Ang and colleagues. Southern Medical Journal. September 2005.

Jennifer McKinney MA