Casts that can get wet are a significant innovation in modern orthopedic care. They offer patients a more comfortable and hygienic experience during healing, allowing daily routines like bathing to be maintained with greater ease. This improves overall quality of life while an injury mends.
What Makes Waterproof Casts Different
Traditional plaster casts must be kept dry to maintain structural integrity and prevent skin issues. If they get wet, the plaster softens and breaks down, compromising immobilization. This limitation often leads to hygiene problems, skin irritation, and discomfort, as washing the affected limb becomes difficult or impossible.
Waterproof casts address these concerns by incorporating materials that allow water to flow through without compromising effectiveness. Unlike traditional casts, waterproof options resist water absorption in their inner layers. This design helps prevent the damp environment that can lead to unpleasant odors, skin maceration, and potential infections beneath the cast. This ability to get the cast wet improves a patient’s daily routine and personal hygiene.
Types of Waterproof Casts
Waterproof casts typically consist of an outer rigid shell and a specialized inner lining. The outer shell is often made from synthetic casting materials such as fiberglass or polyester. These materials are inherently water-resistant, lightweight, and provide the necessary structural support for immobilization. Fiberglass, for instance, sets quickly and maintains its shape even when exposed to water.
The key component enabling water resistance and hygiene is the waterproof liner, commonly made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), often referred to as Gore-Tex. This specialized padding replaces the traditional cotton liner found in standard casts. The ePTFE liner features billions of microscopic pores that are small enough to block liquid water from being absorbed, yet large enough to allow water vapor to pass through. This design permits water to drain through the cast and the skin underneath to dry quickly through evaporation, preventing prolonged dampness and promoting skin health.
Caring for Your Waterproof Cast
Proper care of a waterproof cast is important to ensure both its effectiveness and skin health. When showering or bathing, allow water and mild soap to flow over and through the cast, making sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward to remove any soap residue. While waterproof casts can get wet, prolonged submersion should generally be limited, typically to two to three hours maximum, to prevent potential issues.
Drying the cast effectively helps prevent skin irritation and odor. After getting the cast wet, allow excess water to drain by positioning the limb downwards. Air drying is often sufficient, but using a hairdryer on a cool setting can help speed up the process, especially in areas like the elbow crease or heel. Avoid using hot settings on a hairdryer, as this can burn the skin beneath the cast.
Maintaining cleanliness and being aware of potential issues are also important. It is often recommended to get the cast completely wet daily to help clean the skin underneath and reduce odor and itching. Do not insert anything into the cast to scratch an itch, as this can damage the skin and lead to infection. Contact a healthcare provider if you observe:
- Persistent wetness
- Unusual smells
- Significant skin irritation
- A feeling of the cast being too tight
- Changes in circulation like numbness or coldness