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When you break an arm or a leg, you may wonder how you're going to practice basic hygiene. Showering can be difficult in a cast, but the problem is not insurmountable. In the event you break a limb, you will have to keep your cast dry when showering. Take precautions when getting in and out of the shower, and if your cast accidentally gets wet, call your doctor for instructions on how to proceed. Read on for an in-depth guide to showering or bathing with a cast.
How to Shower with a Splint or Cast
Wear a cast cover, plastic bag, or even plastic wrap around your cast and wrap a towel or cloth around the top to block and absorb water. If you have a leg splint or cast on, place a stool or shower seat in your shower to sit on and wash using a detachable shower head or hose.
Steps
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Purchase a cast cover. This is probably the easiest means of waterproofing a cast, as it takes care of some work for you. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist about cast covers. Many companies sell covers designed to protect casts from water. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Cast covers usually have long sleeves made of waterproof material to pull over your cast. They come in different sizes to fit various types of casts.
- The main benefit of a cast cover is that they're far sturdier than other options, making tears less likely.
- Some cast covers come with a pump that sucks air out of the cover. This forms a tight seal surrounding the cast, adding extra protection.
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Wrap the cast in two plastic bags. If you don't have a cast cover, household items can help. Sealable plastic bags can be fit over a cast to keep it safe from water. Newspaper bags, bread bags, or small trash bags usually work well. Simply pull a bag over the cast and seal it using medical tape or rubber bands. Then, do the same with a second bag to ensure your makeshift cast cover is entirely watertight. [2] X Research source
- Make sure to check the bags for any holes before using them to waterproof your cast.
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Cover the cast with plastic wrap. If you wrap plastic wrap tightly enough, it can also effectively waterproof a cast. Wrap the plastic wrap around your entire cast, making sure there are no gaps where the cast is exposed. Then, secure the plastic wrap in place with some medical tape or rubber bands. [3] X Research source
- Keep in mind plastic wrap may be less effective than other methods. While inexpensive, you may end up with gaps where the cast is exposed.
- After applying plastic wrap, you could also place a plastic bag over the cast and secure it with medical tape to create a second watertight layer.
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Wrap a washcloth or towel near the top of the cast. Choose one of the methods above to cover your cast, then do this regardless of the method you use—it’s important. Wrapping a towel or washcloth near the top of the cast keeps water from slipping underneath the cast. Water under a cast can lead to a skin infection. [4] X Research source
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Have some kind of chair in your shower. You’ll need to sit down if you're showering with a broken leg. Many people consider lawn chairs a good option, but you should check with your doctor beforehand. Get a suggestion from a medical professional about the type of chair to put in your home shower. [5] X Research source
- Make sure your chair is secure. If a chair slips and slides in the shower, this could cause further injury.
- You may have to lay a bathmat down to prevent sliding.
- Have someone without a broken leg test the chair's security before you attempt to get into the shower.
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Lower yourself into the shower stall. If you have a cane or walker, use that for support as you walk towards the shower. Turn your back to the shower stall and lower yourself into the chair, using whatever you can hold onto for support. If it is secure, try holding onto the sides of the shower or the shower bar. [6] X Research source
- Remember that some shower bars are not drilled into the wall. Test to see if the bar is secure before using it as support.
- Gently sit down in the chair and situate your leg away from the shower's running water. Turn your body so you're facing the shower controls.
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Use a detachable shower hose to clean yourself. This will give you a lot more control when showering seated. Direct the water on the body parts you want to wash, and keep the shower hose away from your cast. [7] X Research source
- If you do not have a detachable shower hose, you can try showering with the main shower head and a wet washcloth. Just be extra cautious to keep water away from your cast.
- You should always wrap your cast in a protective covering before showering.
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Dry off while still seated. Make sure there’s a towel nearby before beginning your shower so you can dry off while you're seated when finished. This is crucial since your hands and feet shouldn’t be slippery as you attempt to raise yourself out of the shower. [8] X Research source
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Lift yourself out of the shower stall. Face the opening of the shower wall and grab onto your cane, crutches, or another source of support. Gently lift your body out of the stall. [9] X Research source
- If you have a wheelchair, gently lower yourself back into the wheelchair after leaving the shower stall.
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Talk to your doctor before attempting to shower with a leg cast. While this method can be safe, talking to your doctor before trying it is vital. Only they’ll know enough about your condition to assess whether it's safe for you. If your doctor doesn’t recommend lowering yourself into a chair in the shower, they may offer other advice on safe showering practices while you're in a cast. [10] X Research source
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Keep your cast out of water. Even with excellent protection, there's always a risk of water seeping through onto your cast. Try to keep your cast away from water entirely after an injury by taking a bath instead of a shower; you can prop a broken limb (like an arm or leg) on the edge of the tub to keep it dry while washing the rest of your body. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you prefer a shower, keep your cast away from running water. You may have to keep the broken limb outside the shower as you wash.
- However, don’t bathe or shower without a cover, even if you keep your cast away from the water. Even a small amount of water can be harmful to a cast.
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Try sponge baths instead of showers. In addition to risking getting your cast wet, navigating a shower can be difficult after an injury. This may be especially tricky if you have a broken leg. If possible, opt for sponge baths instead of showers. [12] X Research source
- If you have a child in a cast, you may be comfortable simply sponge bathing your child until they feel more comfortable with their cast.
- If you're an adult, you can try sponge bathing yourself near a sink. If you have someone you're comfortable asking, see if that person can provide a sponge bath.
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Ask your doctor if a waterproof cast would be appropriate for you. A waterproof cast can usually be safely submerged in water. If you feel like you're at a higher risk of getting your cast wet, ask your doctor about a waterproof cast. Waterproof casts can be made with several different materials; some may work better than others, so ask your doctor which materials would work for you. [13] X Research source
- Keep in mind a waterproof cast is not 100% waterproof. While it can withstand water better than most casts, you should still take precautions when bathing, showering, or swimming. Try to get the cast wet infrequently.
- A waterproof cast may not be appropriate if you have a fracture that requires mobility to heal.
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Dry casts after they get wet. In the event you get your cast wet, make an effort to dry it quickly. This can reduce the harm to the cast and eliminate your risk of infection. Use a hairdryer to dry out your cast, always on its coolest setting; a hot or warm setting could cause a burn. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you do not have a hair dryer, you can also dry your cast with a vacuum cleaner hose.
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Call the doctor shortly after a cast gets wet. A cast may have to be replaced if it gets wet, so call your doctor immediately if you accidentally get water on yours. Make an appointment as soon as possible. Water may seep under the cast, which can cause infection to the skin below. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Be careful even when using a fiberglass cast. Fiberglass casts are more water-resistant, and if their surface gets wet, they can usually be easily wiped off. However, water can still get under a fiberglass cast, potentially causing infection. Even if you have a fiberglass cast, it's a good idea to call your doctor if it gets wet. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan I use electric tape to stay dry?Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.It is better to use duct tape to waterproof your cast for showering rather than electrical tape. Electrical tape is less durable, less strong and less water resistant than duct tape.
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QuestionI have a broken arm in a sling, I asked my mum if I could just take a bath but she won’t let me and is insisting she gives me a sponge bath. What should I do?Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.Your mother has your best interests in mind. She may have received the instructions from your doctor on how to care for your broken arm. Communicating openly with her is a key to understanding the motives for recommending a sponge bath rather than a shower. Next time you have a follow up appointment with your doctor ask him or her about the best ways on maintaining hygiene with an arm cast. Your doctor may give you a written patient education materials on how to waterproof your cast and take a shower without compromising cast’s integrity. If you show your mother that you understand how to properly care for your cast she will be more inclined in letting you to take a shower rather than a sponge bath.
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Tips
- Get a shower head on a hose if you don't have one. This can be very helpful when showering with a cast, especially if you have a broken leg.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25191-casts
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/casts.html
- ↑ https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/videos/65/how-to-shower-with-a-cast-or-a-splint.aspx
- ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/care-of-casts-and-splints/
- ↑ https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/videos/65/how-to-shower-with-a-cast-or-a-splint.aspx
- ↑ https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/videos/65/how-to-shower-with-a-cast-or-a-splint.aspx
- ↑ https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/videos/65/how-to-shower-with-a-cast-or-a-splint.aspx
- ↑ https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/videos/65/how-to-shower-with-a-cast-or-a-splint.aspx
- ↑ https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/videos/65/how-to-shower-with-a-cast-or-a-splint.aspx
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/casts.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25191-casts
- ↑ https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/education/cast-care
- ↑ https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/Education/5787/Patient-Education/Educational-Materials/Waterproof-Cast-Care-and-Management.aspx
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/cast-care/art-20047159?pg=2
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/cast-care/art-20047159
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/cast-care/art-20047159
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To take a shower in a cast, first waterproof your cast by wrapping plastic bags or plastic wrap around it so it doesn't get wet. You should also wrap a towel or washcloth around the opening of the cast so water can't get inside it. Or, instead of waterproofing your cast, you can take a bath or try holding your cast outside of the shower so it doesn't get water on it. If you have a leg cast, consider giving yourself sponge baths instead of taking showers until your cast is off. To learn how to take a shower with a leg cast, scroll down!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I was able to help my wife, who has a post-surgery cast on her wrist, shower. We used an oven bag and an elastic or rubber band to seal the bag. I had the basic idea myself, but the article provided useful details on how to accomplish the shower. There are safety considerations post-surgery, and my wife found a shower bench helpful, as well as having me support her arm with the cast while she showered. " ..." more
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"I was able to help my wife, who has a post-surgery cast on her wrist, shower. We used an oven bag and an elastic or rubber band to seal the bag. I had the basic idea myself, but the article provided useful details on how to accomplish the shower. There are safety considerations post-surgery, and my wife found a shower bench helpful, as well as having me support her arm with the cast while she showered. "
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"This article gave me several easy-to-understand options on how to cover a cast! My granddaughter, who is 7, broke her arm. I knew she wanted to get in the shower, but I was unsure of ways to protect the cast. Your article helped to overcome that obstacle, thank you!"
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"This helped me because I am on the team GB national swimming team for under 18s. I'd never broken a bone until a week ago and I can't give up swimming for 8 weeks and this article told me what I needed to do."
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"Most importantly was the fact that leg cast protectors are available for purchase. No more plastic wrap and tape! I just finished ordering an "adults half leg protector" for less than $30cdn."
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"I have a large open wound on my forearm. I have to keep it bandaged for up to two weeks. Now I'm not so nervous about showering. I will use a bag and rubber band. Thanks!"
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