How to Cover a Cast on a Hand

A cast must be kept dry and clean to ensure the quickest and safest recovery for your healing hand. A cast can be compromised if it gets wet because the cast is made from a water-based solution. When exposed to more water, the material will break down. The cast must be covered with a waterproof shell if you are going to be around water. A simple, waterproof covering is easy and quick to make.

Things You'll Need

• Medium plastic bag
• Medical tape
• Towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean and dry the exposed skin around the cast with a damp towel. The area must be clean before being covered to prevent infection.

• 2

  Place the hand into a medium-or appropriate sized- plastic bag so that the entire cast is covered. Leave excess plastic past the edge of the cast. Bread bags, small trash bags are good sized bags to cover a hand.

• 3

  Tape the edge of the plastic with medical tape, securing the bag to the skin. The tape will be directly on the skin. This prevents water from getting underneath the plastic and dripping onto the cast. Make sure the skin is completely dry before applying the tape, as it will not stick well to moist skin.

• 4

  Enjoy the water, your hand is now water resistant!