Product helps with orthopedic cast hygiene

A new hygiene product provides a simple solution to help sanitize and deodorize the skin wrapped in an orthopedic cast, a U.S. company says. Michael Hogan, vice president of Sani-Cast in Skaneateles, N.Y., said more than 7 million bones were broken and treated with a cast in the United States alone last year -- leading to a hygiene problem for many. "As anyone of those millions can attest, not long after a cast is set, the inevitable problem of itching and odor appear, making the healing process even more difficult for the patient," Hogan said in a statement. "The Sani-Cast kit includes a reusable medical-grade 21 inch easy-reach applicator and 36 pre-moistened disposable cleansing pads. Patients simply attach one of the cleansing pads to the end of the applicator and then slowly and cautiously work the pad up and down the skin underneath the cast, providing sanitizing and deodorizing in even the hardest to reach places." The patent-pending Sani-Cast -- which sells for $15 -- makes wearing a cast more bearable and removes some of the health hazards involved, Hogan added. "All too often a patient will insert an unsanitary household object under their cast to deal with the itching caused by bacteria," Hogan said. "Objects such as coat hangers, rulers and pencils, break the skin causing a series of health complications."