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A cast can't do its job without proper care. Find out the basics of cast care, from keeping a cast clean to knowing when to call the doctor.

If your child breaks a bone, a cast can help support and protect the injury as it heals. But a cast can't do its job without proper care. Find out more about the basics of cast care.

Casts are custom-made to fit and support injured limbs. There are two main types of casts:

Swelling can cause your child's cast to feel tight and uncomfortable. To reduce swelling:

A cast can cause your child's underlying skin to feel itchy. To relieve itchy skin, turn a hair dryer on a cool setting and aim it under the cast.

Don't allow your child to stick objects, such as a coat hanger, inside the cast to scratch his or her skin. This could cause an injury or infection.

That depends on the type of cast your child has. In general, casts are meant to stay dry. A wet cast can lead to skin irritation or infection.

Plaster casts and fiberglass casts with conventional padding aren't waterproof. Keep your child's cast dry during baths or showers by covering it with two layers of plastic, sealed with a rubber band or duct tape. Avoid swimming while wearing a cast that isn't waterproof.

A fiberglass cast that has a waterproof liner can get wet. Only certain types of breaks can be treated with a waterproof cast and liner. Ask your doctor if it's safe for your child to get his or her cast wet.

If the cast does get wet, you might be able to dry out the inside padding with a hair dryer. Use a low heat setting to avoid burning or irritating the skin.

Contact your child's doctor immediately if your child:

Caring for a child's cast isn't always easy. Remind your child that taking care of the cast will help minimize discomfort during the healing process.

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