A fractured humerus presents a significant challenge to maintaining daily hygiene. The injury often requires the arm to be immobilized in a cast or sling for several weeks. Safely washing your body and hair requires careful preparation and specific techniques to prevent falls and, most importantly, to keep the injured arm and any associated cast or dressing completely dry.
Essential Safety Precautions and Supplies
The first priority before stepping into the bathroom is preventing a fall, which could severely complicate the fracture’s healing. Wet, slippery surfaces combined with reduced balance from relying on one side create a hazardous environment. A non-slip mat placed both inside and immediately outside the shower or tub is necessary to establish secure footing.
Installing temporary grab bars or confirming the stability of existing ones provides a point of contact for stability when entering and exiting the enclosure. A shower chair or bath bench is highly recommended, as sitting down minimizes the risk of losing balance and simplifies the one-handed washing process.
Protecting the cast or surgical dressing from moisture is essential to avoid skin irritation, infection, and weakening of the cast material. The most reliable method is to invest in a specialized, watertight cast cover that uses a sealed, non-slip opening above the injury site. While plastic bags and tape are a common makeshift solution, they are not as secure and often allow water to seep in.
Step-by-Step Guide to Body Washing
Begin the showering process by positioning the injured arm outside the main flow of water and securely resting it on a stable surface, such as the edge of the tub or the backrest of the shower chair. Keeping the arm elevated helps manage swelling. The affected arm should only be removed from the sling or brace with a physician’s approval and must be moved minimally, often only allowing it to hang loosely at the side.
Use a liquid soap or shower gel dispensed from a pump bottle, as a bar of soap is difficult to manage with a single hand. The uninjured arm will handle all washing, starting with the torso and working downward. Employ a long-handled brush or sponge to extend your reach, particularly for the back, lower legs, and feet.
To wash the injured side’s armpit and upper chest, lean forward slightly from the hips, allowing the affected arm to hang away from the body without active movement. This gravity-assisted positioning creates enough space to gently cleanse the area with a washcloth held in the unaffected hand. After applying soap, carefully rinse the body by directing the water spray with a handheld shower head, or by briefly moving the body into the fixed water stream, always ensuring the casted arm remains protected and dry.
Strategies for Washing Hair Safely
Washing hair while keeping a broken humerus immobile and dry is often the most awkward aspect of hygiene maintenance. The arm cannot be lifted or actively used to scrub or rinse, necessitating either assistance or specialized setup. One of the safest methods is to wash the hair outside of the main shower area, typically by leaning over a kitchen or utility sink.
This sink method requires a second person to manage the water temperature and pressure, apply shampoo, and rinse thoroughly while the patient stabilizes themselves and protects their injured arm. If assistance is unavailable, a handheld shower nozzle is an excellent tool, allowing the water stream to be directed precisely toward the head while the body remains seated on a shower chair. The uninjured hand is solely responsible for lathering and scrubbing the scalp.
Using dry shampoo can absorb excess oil and refresh the hair between full washes, extending the time between challenging shower maneuvers. When rinsing, tilt the head back as far as possible to ensure all water drains away from the neck and shoulder area, preventing accidental splashes onto the cast. Practicing the hair washing motion outside the shower beforehand can help minimize uncertainty and reduce the risk of jarring the injured limb.
Post-Shower Care and Drying
Once the washing is complete, the focus shifts to safe exit and thorough drying. Before attempting to stand, use the unaffected hand to gently dry the upper body while still seated on the shower chair. A terry cloth robe or a smaller, highly absorbent towel can be easier to manipulate with one hand than a large, heavy bath towel.
Carefully stand and step out of the shower or tub, maintaining a slow and deliberate pace while using the grab bars for support. Immediately inspect the cast or dressing for any signs of moisture, paying close attention to the cuff where the cast cover was sealed. Even a small amount of water trapped under a cast can lead to skin breakdown or infection, compromising the healing process.
If any dampness is discovered, contact your healthcare provider, but a hairdryer set to a cool (never warm or hot) setting can be used to blow air into the cast to help evaporate minor moisture. A towel pinned in a loop can assist in reaching the back without excessive arm movement.