Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Wet or Dry Cast Padding
Your cast is made of a synthetic water-repellent padding material, designed so that you may get your cast wet. The outer part is fibreglass, which means that the cast is light, strong and water resistant. The combination of these materials allows you to shower or bathe without having to wrap the cast in a waterproof cast cover.
The following are general guidelines only, and should not be a substitute for any advice you receive at the hospital:
Cast Care – Wet Use
If you are allowed to get your cast wet, you must allow the cast and your skin to dry thoroughly before getting the cast wet again.
If you experience maceration (i.e. softened, whitened or wrinkled skin), skin irritation, heat rash or pain, do not get the cast wet.
Drying time for casts will vary. In some cases, weather conditions, perspiration or cast construction will prevent the cast from drying completely. Most casts will feel dry in one to three hours. If your cast feels wet for longer than this, stop getting the cast wet.
Parents or guardians of young children should monitor the condition of the cast and skin under the cast after the child has got the cast wet. If the cast is not drying, do not allow the child to get it wet again.
Gravity causes water to drain from the cast. When your cast is wet, it is important to try and position it so that water will drain out.
Arm Cast: Hang arm downward and drain from finger end of cast.
Leg Cast: Tilt toes downward to allow cast to drain from toe area, or elevate leg to allow drainage from knee/top of leg end.
Avoid swimming in natural bodies of water (lakes, rivers or the sea), because waterborne parasites or contaminants may cause
skin irritation or other problems.
Ensure that you rinse the cast out thoroughly with clean water after swimming, showering or bathing.
For your safety, avoid deep water when swimming.
General Cast Care - Wet or Dry Use
Move your fingers and toes frequently to prevent swelling and joint stiffness. If your cast is fitted with a cast walking shoe, wear it at all times except during bathing, showering or sleeping.If your cast becomes soiled, clean it with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent.
• Do Not stuff cotton or toilet tissue under your cast as it may fall into the cast, or decrease your circulation and cause serious medical problems.
• Do Not pull out the cast padding.
• Do Not break off rough edges, or trim your cast without consulting the Plaster Room. (Rough edges may be reduced with light filing using a nail file).
• Do Not expose the inside of your cast to dirt, sand or powder.
• Do Not scratch under your cast with anything. This could break the skin and cause infection.
• Do Not remove your cast yourself.
Plaster room Wexham Park 0300 615 4058
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Plaster room service.
About this information
Service:
Plaster room
Reference:
N/036
Approval date:
30 March 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.