After a cast has been applied to a fracture, there are several simple rules to follow for the care of that cast.

A cast cannot get wet unless you have special waterproof cast material. When bathing, standard casts must be covered with a plastic bag and held out of the water. If the edges of the cast get a little wet, use a hairdryer set on cool to dry it, but if the cast is soaked, it must be removed.

All casts itch. It is very important that nothing ever is put inside the cast to scratch, including pencils, coat hangers, or q-tips. The best way to deal with itching is to use a hairdryer, set on cool, to blow cool air inside the cast.

A cast is very hard, but it should not be used as a weapon. Ice and elevation should help with any swelling. If the cast feels too tight, or your fingers or toes remain numb and tingly, let your health care provider know. The cast may need to be split or removed.

It is important to follow the prescribed weight-bearing restrictions and activity precautions. If any problems should arise with a cast, contact your health care provider. A cast is not always a fun thing to have, but if you follow a few simple steps, it can be easy to care for.