Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Protecting Plaster from Water
• Method 2 of 4: Other Methods
• Method 3 of 4: Bathing with a cast on your leg
• Method 4 of 4: What to do if the plaster gets wet
• Tips

After a broken arm or leg, we find it difficult to maintain good hygiene. Although it is not easy to shower with plaster, the problem can be solved. If you break an arm or a leg, make sure that the cast remains dry while bathing. Also, be careful when getting in and out of the shower. If you do accidentally wet the cast, call your doctor for advice on what to do next.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Protecting Plaster from Water

1. 1 Purchase a cast cover. Perhaps this is the easiest way to protect gypsum from moisture, which also saves time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on this. Covers for protecting plaster from water are produced by many companies.
   • Plaster casings are usually long sleeves made of waterproof material. Such a cover is stretched over plaster. The covers are available in various sizes and are designed to accommodate a wide variety of casts. Their main advantage is that they are much more reliable and durable than other fixtures.
   • Some plaster casings are equipped with a pump that allows air to be pumped out from under the casings. As a result, the cover tightly covers the plaster and reliably protects it from moisture.
2. 2 Use plastic bags. If you do not have a plaster case, you can use the items at hand. Airtight plastic bags will help cover the plaster and protect it from water.
   • Ordinary food or waste plastic bags will work. Stretch the bag over the cast and secure it with an elastic band or duct tape. The rubber bands put less pressure on the skin and can be reused after showering.
   • Before using the bag, check for holes or tears that could leak water.
3. 3 Try using plastic wrap. You can wrap the gypsum tightly with plastic wrap to protect it from water. Wrap the plastic around the entire plaster and check for gaps where water can seep. After that, secure the film with tape or elastic band.
   • Note that plastic wrap may be less effective than other methods.Although it is quite cheap, water can seep through the gaps between the layers.
4. 4 Tie the top end of the cast with a washcloth or towel. This should be done regardless of the method you are using. A towel or washcloth will keep water from getting underneath the cast. If water seeps underneath the cast, it can lead to infection.

Method 2 of 4: Other Methods

1. 1 Keep the cast away from water. Even with reliable protection, there is a risk that water will still get on the gypsum. Try to keep the cast out of the water until the bandage is removed.
   • Try taking a bath instead of a shower. If you have a broken arm, it will be easier to hold it outside the bath. You can simply place your bandaged hand on the edge of the tub while you are in the water.
   • If you prefer a shower, try to keep the plaster cast away from water jets. You can put your bandaged hand outside the shower stall.
   • However, even if you are trying to keep the cast out of the water, do not take a bath or shower without a protective cover. Even a small amount of water can damage the plaster.
2. 2 Try using a wet sponge instead of a shower. In addition to the risk of soaking the cast, it is difficult to get in and out of the shower after an injury. This is especially difficult if you have a broken leg. If possible, try not to shower, but to wipe off with a wet washcloth.
   • In the case of a child with a cast, it may be worth wiping it off with a wet sponge until he is comfortable with or removed from the cast.
   • With a plaster cast on an adult, you can wipe it off with a sponge near the sink. It will be more convenient if you can ask someone for help.
3. 3 Ask your doctor if waterproof plaster is right for you. Such gypsum can usually be safely immersed in water. If you are worried about getting a plaster cast wet, ask your doctor about waterproof plaster.
   • There are several materials from which waterproof plaster is made. Ask your doctor which material is right for you. Some materials may be better than others, and your doctor will be able to tell you which material is right for you.
   • Please note that waterproof plaster can still be water permeable. Although it resists water better than conventional plaster, care must be taken when bathing. Try to wet the cast less often.
   • A waterproof cast may not work if mobility is required for better fracture healing.

Method 3 of 4: Bathing with a cast on your leg

1. 1 Place a chair in the shower. If you break your leg, you will need to sit somewhere while you shower. Many people prefer to use folding chairs, but do not forget to consult with your doctor first. Check with him what to use for sitting in the shower.
   • Check that the chair is stable. If the chair slips in the shower, you could fall and exacerbate your injury.
   • You can use a bath mat underneath to prevent slipping.
   • Ask someone with a broken leg to check the chair before you sit on it yourself.
2. 2 Climb into the shower stall. If you have crutches or walkers, use them to get into the shower stall. Turn your back to the booth and sit down on a chair.
   • Hold on to whatever you can. Try to hold onto the walls of the shower or the pipe if it is stable. Please note that some shower pipes are not bolted to the wall. Before using the tube for support, check that it is firmly attached.
   • Sit gently in a chair and move your bandaged leg so that no water can flow onto it. Face the shower taps.
3. 3 Use a shower hose. It will make it much more convenient for you to wash while sitting. You will be able to direct water to specific areas of the body and keep it away from the cast.
   • If you don't have a hose in your shower, but only a stationary watering can, try washing with a washcloth.When doing this, be careful not to get water on the plaster. Before showering, be sure to wrap the plaster of Paris with a protective film.
4. 4 Dry yourself from your chair. Place the towel next to you before showering. Towel dry without leaving your chair. If you stand in the shower stall, you risk slipping and falling.
5. 5 Get out of the shower stall. Turn towards the shower exit and grasp crutches, walkers, or other support with your hands. Gently rise from the chair and leave the shower stall.
   • If you are using a wheelchair, carefully move into it immediately after getting out of the shower stall.
6. 6 Check with your doctor before showering with a cast on your leg. Although the described method is quite safe, you must first talk to your doctor. Only a doctor knows about your current condition and can determine if this method is safe for you. If your doctor tells you not to sit in a chair in the shower while you are wearing a cast, they may be able to suggest other safe ways.

Method 4 of 4: What to do if the plaster gets wet

1. 1 Dry wet plaster. If you wet a plaster cast, dry it as quickly as possible. This will reduce damage to the cast and eliminate the risk of infection.
   • Dry the plaster with a hair dryer. Use the cold setting when doing this, as hot air can cause burns.
   • If you don't have a hair dryer, you can also use a vacuum cleaner with a hose.
2. 2 Call your doctor immediately after wetting the cast. The wet plaster can be replaced with a new one. If water accidentally gets on the cast, call your doctor immediately and make an appointment as soon as possible. Water can seep under the cast, which can cause skin infections.
3. 3 Be careful even if you have fiberglass plaster. Fiberglass casts are more resistant to water and can be easily wiped off if they get on them. However, water can still get underneath the fiberglass plaster, increasing the risk of infection. Even if you have a fiberglass cast, it's best to call your doctor if the bandage gets wet.

Tips

• Get a portable shower hose if you don't have one. This makes showering in a plaster cast a lot easier, especially if you have a broken leg.