If the leg is injured, elevate the leg on pillows for at least the first 24 hours. This will limit the amount of swelling that occurs. If the arm is injured, your child should wear the sling provided by your physician to keep the injured part elevated and limit swelling. Occasional wiggling of the fingers or toes will also prevent some swelling. Don't get the cast wet.
Wet plaster can become soft and crumble.
Wet padding can cause skin rashes. If the cast becomes wet, dry it with a hair dryer. To avoid getting the cast wet, use a washcloth and wash basin to bathe. Enclosing the cast in a plastic bag for a bath or shower usually doesn't work. Don't stick anything down into the cast, such as a coat hanger or other device, to scratch an itch.