Waterproof Cast Protectors and Cast Covers
A cast is a hard, protective cover wrapped around a fractured bone that holds it in place while it heals. If your cast is not water resistant, it needs to stay dry. [Source: Healthdirect Australia]
The cast protectors at Blooms The Chemist are reusable, latex-free sleeves supplied in two-packs with a strap, designed to keep moisture and water away from a cast or another wound that must be kept dry. If it is a wound rather than a cast you are keeping dry, wound dressings and bandages are available separately.
How to choose a cast protector
- Match the length to your cast: Full arm and full leg sizes suit a cast that crosses the elbow or knee, while half arm and half leg sizes suit shorter casts.
- Check the fit: The protector needs to sit above the top of the cast so no part of it is left exposed. A Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist can help you choose a size.
- Reusable and latex free: Rinse and dry a protector after each use and replace it if you notice a tear or a loss of stretch.
Using a cast protector safely
Keep the cast clean and dry, and follow any cast-care instructions you receive from your healthcare professional. When showering or bathing, seal the cast inside the protector before any contact with water, and never immerse a cast in water. [Source: Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne]
See your doctor or go to hospital if you notice a fever, swelling, tingling, numbness or coldness in your fingers or toes, a change in skin colour to white or blue, or persistent pain under the cast: seek medical advice promptly. Also see your doctor if the cast cracks, feels too tight or too loose, or develops a bad smell. In an emergency, call triple zero (000).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a cast wet?
If your cast is not water resistant, it needs to stay dry, which is what a cast protector is designed to help with. If your cast is water resistant, ask your healthcare professional whether it is safe to get wet.
Can you swim with a cast cover on?
A cast should never be immersed in water, so a cast protector is intended for showering and bathing rather than swimming. Ask your healthcare professional before any water activity.
Where can I buy a waterproof cast cover near me?
Waterproof cast protectors are available online or at your nearest Blooms The Chemist store, with delivery Australia-wide. The pharmacy team can help you choose between the four sizes.