Wearing a cast requires maintaining personal hygiene while ensuring the cast remains completely dry for proper healing. Water exposure is a significant risk because moisture trapped inside creates an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal growth, leading to skin infections and a condition called maceration, where the skin softens and breaks down. Water also compromises the cast’s structural integrity; traditional plaster casts may dissolve and weaken, and padding in fiberglass casts can swell and lose its protective shape. Keeping the cast dry is fundamental to a successful recovery and preventing complications.
Essential Supplies for Waterproofing
Protecting a cast from water requires a reliable barrier, available through both do-it-yourself (DIY) and commercial products. The DIY approach involves using a large plastic bag, such as a trash bag, pulled over the cast and sealed tightly at the opening. This seal is typically created with heavy-duty materials like duct tape or a thick rubber band, applied snugly against the skin above the cast to prevent leaks. While inexpensive, this method is less reliable, as the plastic bag can easily tear and the seal is often not fully watertight.
A more secure and reusable option is a commercial waterproof cast cover, often recommended by healthcare professionals for its superior design. These covers are typically made of durable materials with a specialized, tight-fitting diaphragm or seal made of neoprene or silicone. The primary benefit is their ability to create a consistently tight, vacuum-like seal highly resistant to water penetration. Although they represent a higher upfront cost than DIY materials, their reliability and ease of use make them the preferred choice for dependable protection during showering.
Step-by-Step Showering Techniques
Preparation
The process of showering begins with meticulous preparation to secure the waterproof barrier. Before stepping into the shower, carefully slide the chosen cast cover over the injured limb, ensuring the sealing mechanism rests flat against the skin well above the cast line. For a DIY setup, wrap the duct tape several times around the plastic bag and the skin, aiming for tight compression that prevents water from running down and under the seal. Once the barrier is in place, wrapping a small towel around the top edge of the cast, beneath the waterproof seal, can help catch minimal condensation or stray drops.
During the Shower
The goal is to keep the casted limb completely out of the direct spray of the water stream. Positioning the cast outside the tub or shower stall, if possible, is the most direct way to minimize water exposure. When this is not feasible, a handheld shower head allows for precise control, making it easier to direct the water only to the rest of the body while keeping the cast elevated and away from the spray. It is wise to take a shorter shower than usual, as prolonged exposure to steam and humidity can lead to condensation buildup inside the protective cover.
Removal
The final step involves carefully removing the protective gear only after completely drying the outside of the cover. Before removing the waterproof seal, use a towel to pat dry any water droplets resting on the exterior, especially near the seal. This prevents any residual water from dripping onto the cast as the barrier is taken off. When peeling away the seal or the tape, do so gently and methodically to avoid jostling the injured limb, ensuring the cast remains dry throughout the entire process.
Preventing Slips and Falls
The combination of wet surfaces and limited mobility increases the risk of falling in the bathroom, making safety modifications a priority. The shower or tub floor should be covered with a non-slip rubber mat, which features suction cups to firmly adhere to the surface and provide reliable traction. This simple addition helps prevent dangerous slips that could lead to further injury. A shower chair or bench allows the user to sit down while washing, eliminating the need to stand and balance on a slippery surface.
Installing temporary or permanent grab bars provides a stable anchor point for support when stepping over the tub wall or maneuvering inside the shower stall. These bars offer a steady handhold for balance, though suction-cup models should be used strictly for balance assistance and not for supporting the full body weight. For individuals with a leg cast or severely limited balance, having another person present to assist with entering and exiting the shower is highly advisable. This assistance ensures a steady, controlled transition and minimizes the time spent in an unbalanced position.
What to Do If the Cast Gets Wet
Recognizing Moisture
Despite all precautions, water may occasionally penetrate the cast, and recognizing the signs of moisture is the first step toward troubleshooting. A wet cast may feel damp or soft to the touch, and you might notice a sudden, unpleasant odor, which can signal the growth of mold or bacteria within the moist padding. If the skin beneath the cast develops persistent itching, redness, or irritation, this could also indicate a moisture problem leading to skin breakdown. These signs require immediate attention to prevent further complication.
Drying and Seeking Help
If water seepage is noticed immediately, a quick attempt can be made to dry the interior padding using a hairdryer. The dryer must be set to the coolest setting and aimed at the edges of the cast to circulate air and evaporate the moisture. Using a warm or hot setting can cause severe skin burns. Never attempt to push any object inside the cast to dry or scratch the skin, as this can damage the skin and padding. If the cast material feels structurally compromised, or if the skin irritation and pain persist after attempted drying, contact a healthcare provider immediately for an assessment and potential cast replacement.