Cast Care – Healthnile.com

Types of Casts for Children

There are two main types of casts used to treat broken bones in children:

Plaster Casts: These casts use a soft material that hardens when it dries. Plaster casts are easy to shape and fit well around the injured limb, but they are usually heavier than other types.
Fiberglass Casts: These casts use a lightweight plastic material. Fiberglass casts are lighter, stronger, and last longer than plaster casts. X-rays can pass through fiberglass more easily, so doctors can check healing without removing the cast. Sometimes, fiberglass casts come with a waterproof liner, which allows them to get wet.

Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Plaster	Molds well, lower cost	Heavier, not waterproof
Fiberglass	Lighter, more durable, X-ray film-friendly	More expensive, not always suitable

Swelling often happens after an injury, especially in the first few days. To reduce swelling:

Raise the Limb: Keep the casted arm or leg above heart level while resting. Pillows or cushions can help hold the limb up.
Ice the Area: Place an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel on the cast near the injury. Do not put ice directly on the skin or inside the cast.
Keep Fingers and Toes Moving: Remind the child to move the fingers or toes of the affected limb often, unless the doctor says not to.

Keeping swelling under control helps the cast stay comfortable.

Itching under a cast is normal and can bother children. Here are safe ways to help:

Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to blow air under the cast.
Remind the child not to insert objects (like pencils or hangers) under the cast to scratch, as this can hurt the skin and cause infection.
Avoid putting powder or lotion inside the cast, since this can irritate the skin.

These methods can help relieve the urge to scratch safely.

Most casts need to stay dry. Water can weaken the cast and may cause skin problems, like irritation or infection.

Plaster casts and most fiberglass casts with regular padding are not waterproof. Cover the cast with two layers of plastic when bathing. Use rubber bands or tape to seal the ends, but do not let the cast stay soaked.
Some fiberglass casts have a waterproof lining. These can get wet in the bath or shower, but only if the doctor says it is safe. Not every injury can use a waterproof cast, so always check with the doctor.
If the cast gets wet by accident, dry it with a hair dryer set on low. Never use high heat on the skin.

Key Tip: Only let a child swim with a cast if the doctor says it is waterproof.

To protect the cast and help healing:

Keep It Clean: Keep dirt, food, and sand out of the cast.
No Lotions, Powders, or Deodorants: Do not use these items on or near the cast.
Let the Provider Handle Problems: If the cast feels uncomfortable or has a rough edge, do not pull on the padding or try to fix it at home. Only a healthcare provider should adjust or trim the cast.
Avoid Sharp Impacts: Remind the child not to hit or knock the cast on hard surfaces.

Some changes or symptoms need prompt medical attention. Call the doctor or visit the clinic if:

The child’s pain or tightness gets worse, even after following comfort tips.
Numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles happen in the fingers or toes.
The skin under the cast burns, stings, or feels raw.
Swelling below the cast becomes severe or does not go down after keeping the limb raised.
Fingers or toes look blue, turn cold, or cannot move.
The cast feels too tight or too loose.
The skin changes color around the edges of the cast.
The cast develops cracks, soft spots, or starts to smell bad.
The cast gets soaked and cannot be dried properly.