Bathing with a Wrist Cast: Safety & Care Tips

Wearing a cast on your wrist is no fun. It can become itchy, heavy and chafe your skin. As uncomfortable as a cast might be, getting it wet can make things even worse. A wet cast can irritate your skin, smell bad and cause infection. If your employment or lifestyle requires you to be in the water while wearing a cast on your wrist, ask your doctor about applying a fiberglass cast. These are safe for swimming or bathing. But if the extra cost of a waterproof cast isn't in the budget, some extra care will ensure that you and your cast stay as dry as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag
• Rubber band
• Water-resistant tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Pull a plastic bag over your wrist. The bag should be longer than the cast, long enough so the top rests on your bare skin.

• 2

  Slide a large rubber band over the cast to help keep the bag in place. Do not put the rubber band on your wrist or arm. Keep it on the cast.

• 3

  Tape the bag directly to your skin with a water-resistant tape, such as first-aid tape. Wrap around the bag thoroughly to seal the cast in the bag.

• 4

  Hold your wrapped arm over the edge of the tub to keep it as dry as possible while bathing. Place a towel on the edge of the bath tub to rest it comfortably.