If a plaster cast gets wet, it can soften and fall apart. And if the padding of a fiberglass cast gets wet, it can irritate and damage your skin. So your cast must stay dry.

• Don't do activities that can get your cast wet. These include swimming, fishing, washing dishes, and even going out in the rain.

• Bathe as directed by your healthcare provider. When you bathe, keep your cast out of water and wrapped in plastic.

• Don’t soak your cast in water, even if it’s wrapped in plastic.

• If your cast does get wet, try drying it as soon as possible. To do this, use a hair dryer set to cool. Call your healthcare provider if your cast doesn’t dry within 24 hours.

For the best results, remember the following:

• Do keep the cast clean and dry. Cover it with plastic to protect it when around dirt or water.

• Do use any support you are given, such as crutches or a sling.

• Do elevate the cast above your heart whenever possible.

• Don’t slide anything inside the cast, even to scratch your skin.

• Don’t put lotions or powders around the cast or inside it.

• Don’t hit the cast.

• Don’t cut the cast or pull it apart.

• Don’t wash the cast.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Swelling or cast tightness that does not improve with elevation

• If your cast breaks

• If your cast gets wet and cannot be dried

• If you have increasing pain, numbness, or tingling