Many people have written with questions regarding the proper care for a cast. Casts, made of plaster or fiberglass, are applied to keep injured bones properly aligned and protected while healing occurs.
In general, cast care involves the following steps:
- Keep the cast dry. While bathing, cover the cast with a plastic bag to protect it from splashing. If the cast gets damp, use a hair dryer on "low" or "cool" setting to help dry the cast.
- If the cast breaks, cracks, or becomes soaked with water, tell your doctor.
- Cover rough cast edges with adhesive tape to prevent skin irritation.
- Inspect the skin at the cast's edges twice a day. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following in the area outside the cast:
- redness
- irritation
- swelling
- sores
- darkening or paleness of skin
- numbness or tingling
- difficulty moving the limb
- coldness
- Never use lotions, creams or powder under the cast.
- Do not insert anything under the cast, even to scratch the skin if it itches.
- If pain under the cast becomes worse after the first 24 hours or there is a bad odor from inside, call your doctor.
- Keep small objects away from young children who have casts; they may insert objects into the cast and cause injury.
Most people heal very well after their cast is applied.
Once a cast is removed, the extremity may look smaller. Exercise will help rebuild muscle and restore normal appearance.
Last Updated: March 25, 2009
