Heat generation in plaster-of-paris and resulting hand burns

Plaster of Paris: The forgotten hand splinting material

“…The primary concern in the application of plaster of Paris is avoidance of excessive heat from the exothermic process, which can cause second-or third-degree burns. 18,[39][40][41] Therapists should be fully aware of the multiple factors that influence the exothermic process in plaster of Paris.…”

Laboratory investigation into optimal temperature for plaster of Paris application

“…Plaster slab application has been shown to cause clinically significant burns 4–6 . The risk of a burn occurring correlates to maximum temperature and duration of exposure 11 .…”

“…There is little information regarding complications of their use in the medical literature, as most papers relate to technical aspects of plaster application 1–3 . The use of POP slabs has the potential to cause significant burns 4–6 . Burns are caused by slabs becoming warm or hot when they set, because of the exothermic reaction of POP with water 7…”