When you or your child break a bone, a cast can provide the support needed for healing. It's important, however, to take proper care of this cast – or it may not work as it's designed to.

By keeping the following care tips in mind, you can ensure your cast stays in good condition and aids a speedy recovery:

1. Keep your arm or leg raised
During the first few days of wearing your cast, it's important to keep your leg or arm raised on a soft surface, according to the National Health Service of the U.K. Not only does this provide assistance in reducing the swelling of the injury, it also ensures the cast dries correctly. If it doesn't dry as it's supposed to, the cast will weaken and could eventually break. Use a pillow for support during the first week of wearing the leg or arm cast, and continue to do so when you're relaxing.

2. Don't use lotions
Make sure to avoid applying lotions, deodorant, powder, creams and gels around or inside the cast. These can break down the material keeping it together. If you feel an itch or irritation coming from the inside of the plaster, take a deep breath and let the feeling subside naturally. While this may be difficult, it's your best bet when it comes to ensuring the durability of your cast. 

3. Leave adjustments to the doctor
If there is any uncomfortable area of the cast, call the doctor instead of making adjustments yourself. Pulling at the padding or attempting to break off or trim rough edges of the cast will ultimately weaken it and make it more likely to break on its own in the future. As soon as you notice the leg or arm cast needs an adjustment, contact the doctor to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommended using a soft towel or adhesive tape to make it more comfortable.

The Sport line of SEAL-TIGHT cast and bandage protectors can be used for swimming.

4. Cover it up with SEAL-TIGHT products from Brownmed
Your top priority for your cast care should be keeping it out of the water. Getting your cast wet will not only break down the interior and exterior, but it could also cause irritation and increase your risk for developing an infection. You certainly shouldn't avoid bathing while you wear a cast, but you can err on the side of caution by covering up with a SEAL-TIGHT product.

SEAL-TIGHT is the No. 1 brand for cast and bandage protection. These products are designed to keep water out during showering, bathing and swimming. All products created by SEAL-TIGHT are latex-free, easy to use and guaranteed to keep your leg or arm cast dry and in good condition.

Aside from caring for your cast, don't forget to continue exercising the joints that aren't covered by the cast to enhance circulation through the elbows, knees, fingers and toes.

Explore the different SEAL-TIGHT product options Brownmed offers, and purchase yours today!