Full Leg Shower Protector? All Answers

Friday 14 June 2019

The skin is the body’s largest organ and provides each of us with a protective barrier. A wound is a disruption in the protective function of the skin. When you have a wound, it’s important that you take care of it properly. Wound healing is a complex process and there are many things you can do to help (or interfere with) your healing.

Here are eight tips that can help with healing:

1. Don’t let your wound get wet when you take a bath or shower.

This keeps the wound too moist and can transfer bacteria from other parts of the body to the wound. You can keep your wound dry by using a bandage/surgery or by covering the wound area with Press-N-Seal plastic wrap and then taping a kitchen waste bag over the wound/bandage. If your wound cannot be protected, a sponge bath is recommended.

2. Do not clean your wound with soap or chemicals.

Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or plain soap on your wound. They can damage the healing skin and slow down the healing process. Instead, only clean your wound with salt water, sterile water, or distilled water.

3. Walk away from your wound.

Pressure on your wound slows healing. Limit the time you lie on your wound as much as possible. Depending on where your wound is, you may need special shoes, crutches, walkers, pillows, etc.

4. Quit smoking.

Smoking significantly slows down the healing process of your wound. Each cigarette you smoke blocks your blood vessels by 40-45% for hours. If you smoke another cigarette during this time, the blood vessels will constrict another 40-45%. As a result, the wound is starved of oxygen and growth factors that are carried in the blood and are needed for wound healing. Every cigarette that is not smoked supports the healing process. Contact your GP if you need help quitting.

5. Control your blood sugar.

Check your glucose levels regularly. Any time your blood sugar is greater than 140, it harms your healing. Watch your diet and take your medication. If your glucose levels are still too high, talk to your GP about how to get them under control.

6. Increase your protein intake.

Protein is what makes up growth factors that your body produces to heal itself. Eat three to four servings of protein every day. When your protein levels are severely low, healing is slowed.

7. Don’t leave your wound open.

Your wound doesn’t need to breathe! This will slow healing.

8. Talk to the experts.

For most people, wound care is fairly simple. Clean the wound at home, dress it up with a bandage and let it heal naturally, but if you’ve been caring for your wound properly and aren’t seeing any progress or are concerned it may be more serious than you thought, speak up with the experts at Norman Regional’s Oklahoma Wound Center. No referral is required unless your insurance requires one.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 405-307-6955.

It’s usually better to shower after an operation because you can control the flow of water and avoid getting the wound wet when you’ve been instructed to keep it dry.

You may be told after some surgeries not to bathe.

This is because your wound should not be soaked in water until it has healed. It could cause the skin to soften and the wound to reopen.

Guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) state that you can shower 48 hours after surgery.

Check with your surgeon or nurse if you can shower or bathe, as this may depend on the type of surgery you had and how your wound was closed.

Before you leave the hospital, you will receive advice on how to care for your wound.

Do I need a shower chair or bath seat?

Swim safety equipment such as shower chairs, bath seats and transfer benches become almost essential as we age. Bathrooms, showers and tubs in particular are becoming the most dangerous places in our homes, accounting for almost 75% of all slips and falls at home. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of slipping and falling while bathing or showering is to use a shower chair, bath seat, or transfer bench. These waterproof, non-slip, and height-adjustable bathing tools provide a stable, safe, and comfortable way to deep clean while seated and prevent slipping. Shower chairs and bath seats have non-slip rubber elements and are available with removable backrests and/or armrests to provide extra support when sitting or to help with getting on and off. Shower chairs and bath seats are designed to fit most standard showers. A height-adjustable bathing stool can also be used for people with smaller showers or bathtubs. The transfer bench is the safest and most practical bathing aid for bath wearers. A transfer bench is half in the tub and half outside the tub so you can sit securely on the bench from outside the shower/bath and slide easily in and over the tub wall. With the ability to sit and slide on the bench over the tub wall, there is no need to step over the tub wall onto a smooth, wet surface, reducing the risk of slips and falls. The transfer bench is height adjustable, with non-slip rubber feet, a removable/reversible backrest and a side rail for extra support.

Shower chairs and bathtub seats are not only available to elderly or aging people independently. Shower chairs and transfer benches are often a necessity for people with lower limb injuries or surgeries. If you are recovering from surgery or an injury to your hip, ankle, foot, or knee, it is unsafe to stand in a shower or bath without using at least one grab bar or shower chair. Lower limb injuries often require no or limited weight bearing, putting you in a potentially dangerous situation when showering on a slippery surface. Properly installed grab bars provide a safe and stable place to hold on for added balance and a secure grip to grab hold of in an emergency. If you are recovering from an ankle, foot, hip, leg or knee injury and surgery, it is important that you have at least one bathing stool to sit on to reduce the potential risk of a fall and new and serious injuries.

Independent Yours Medical Supplies of Louisville, Colorado stocks the largest selection of bath seats, shower chairs and transfer benches in the Boulder/Denver area. With over 12 different bathtub seat options and styles to choose from and try in person before you buy, you can be sure to find the best bathtub safety item for you or your loved one. The Louisville Medical Supply Store has: Bathtub Stool, Bathtub Seat, Bathtub Seat with Armrests, Bathtub Seat with Armrests and Backrest, Bathtub Seat with Backrest, Padded Shower Chair, Padded Shower Chair with Backrest, MaxiDrain Transfer Bench, Padded Transfer, Wheeled Shower Chair Dresser and more. If you are wondering, “Do I need a shower chair or bath seat?” please call us or visit our comprehensive medical retail store in Louisville, CO to see all available bathroom safety items and supplies.

Cast Care: Do’s and Don’ts A cast cannot do its job without proper care. Learn about the basics of cast care, from how to clean a cast to knowing when to call the doctor. By Mayo Clinic staff

If your child breaks a bone, a cast can help support and protect the injury while it heals. But a cast cannot do its job without proper care. Learn about the basics of cast care.

What are the Different Types of Casts?

Casts are custom made to fit and support injured limbs. There are two main types of casts:

plaster casts. Plaster casts are easier to mold than fiberglass casts for some applications. Plaster casts are usually cheaper too.

Plaster casts are easier to mold than fiberglass casts for some applications. Plaster casts are usually cheaper too. plaster casts. These plastic casts are usually lighter and more durable than plaster casts. Also, X-rays penetrate casts better than casts — making it easier for your doctor to examine your child’s bones while he or she is still in the cast.

What can be done to reduce swelling?

Swelling can make your child’s cast feel tight and uncomfortable. To reduce swelling:

Raise the affected area. For the first 24 to 72 hours after your child’s cast is in place, use pillows to raise the cast above the level of your child’s heart. Your child will need to lean back if the cast is on one leg.

For the first 24 to 72 hours after your child’s cast is in place, use pillows to raise the cast above the level of your child’s heart. Your child will need to lean back if the cast is on one leg. apply ice. Loosely wrap an ice pack covered with a thin towel around your child’s cast at the site of the injury. Wrapping the ice is important to keep the icing dry. Ice packed in a rigid container and only touching the cast in one spot is not as effective.

Loosely wrap an ice pack covered with a thin towel around your child’s cast at the site of the injury. Wrapping the ice is important to keep the icing dry. Ice packed in a rigid container and only touching the cast in one spot is not as effective. keep moving Encourage your child to move the fingers or toes of the injured limb frequently.

What can I do if my child wants to scratch under the cast?

A cast can make your child’s underlying skin itchy. To relieve itchy skin, set a hair dryer on a cool setting and point it under the cast.

Do not allow your child to put objects such as hangers in the cast to scratch their skin. This could lead to injury or infection.

Is it okay to wet a cast?

That depends on the type of cast your child has. In general, casts should remain dry. A wet cast can cause skin irritation or infection.

Plaster casts and fiberglass casts with traditional padding are not waterproof. Keep your child’s cast dry while bathing or showering by covering it with two layers of plastic and sealing with a rubber band or tape. Avoid swimming while wearing a cast that is not waterproof.

A fiberglass bandage with a waterproof liner can get wet. Only certain types of hernias can be treated with a waterproof bandage and liner. Ask your doctor if it’s safe for your child to get their cast wet.

If the cast gets wet, you may be able to dry the inner padding with a hair dryer. Use a low heat setting to avoid burning or irritating skin.

How can my child keep their cast in good condition?

Try these tips:

keep it clean Keep dirt and sand off the inside of your child’s cast.

Keep dirt and sand off the inside of your child’s cast. Skip toiletries. Avoid putting powder, lotion, or deodorant on or near the cast.

Avoid putting powder, lotion, or deodorant on or near the cast. Leave adjustments to your child’s doctor. Do not pull the padding out of your child’s cast. Do not trim the cast or break off rough edges without first consulting your child’s doctor.

What else do I need to know about my child’s cast?

Contact your child’s doctor right away if your child:

Feels increasing pain and tightness in the injured limb

Numbness or tingling in the injured hand or foot

Feels burning or stinging under the cast

Develops excessive swelling under the cast

Cannot move the toes or fingers of his or her injured limb, or they turn blue or cold

Says the cast feels too tight or too loose

Develops red or sore skin around the cast

Cracks, soft spots, or a foul odor develop in the cast, or the cast becomes soaking wet and does not dry properly

Caring for a child’s cast is not always easy. Remind your child that caring for the cast will help minimize discomfort during the healing process.

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Taking good care of your cast will help ensure a better recovery.

Plaster casts consist of a bandage and a hard covering, usually plaster of paris. They allow broken bones in the arm or leg to heal by holding them in place and usually need to be kept on for between 4 and 12 weeks.

Cast care tips

For the first few days, keep your arm or leg on a soft surface, such as a mat, for as long as possible. B. a pillow, high. This will help reduce swelling.

Don’t let your cast get wet. This weakens it and your bone is no longer properly supported.

It is possible to purchase special covers for plaster casts to keep them dry while washing or bathing. Ask a pharmacist for more information. Do not try to use plastic bags, garbage bags, cling film or anything similar to keep the bandage dry as these are not reliable methods.

If your cast gets wet, contact your hospital or minor injuries department as soon as possible.

Always remove all coverings as soon as possible to avoid sweating which could also damage the cast.

Even if the cast is very itchy on the skin, do not put anything underneath it. This could cause a nasty sore and lead to infection.

Do not walk in a cast unless you have been told it is safe to do so and have been fitted with a cast shoe.

The itching should subside after a few days.

If you have a cast, boot, bandage, or other wound, it’s important to keep it dry to avoid complications.

A

waterproof plaster protection

helps keep the cast dry and clean. It is designed to provide a secure, watertight seal to your cast or cast without restricting you in normal activities.

These are specifically designed to fit over cast and keep water out of cast whilst still being easy to put on.

What happens if my cast gets wet?

If your bandage gets wet, you run the risk of the bandage losing strength, thus reducing its effectiveness. In this case you will have to have it replaced. You also run the risk of your wound or incision becoming infected.

But just because you need to protect your cast at all costs doesn’t mean you can’t sit by the pool, go to the beach, or take a relaxing shower. With a great waterproof cast protection for your leg, you can enjoy all these activities with peace of mind.

Do waterproof plaster covers really work?

Cast covers from reputable companies are very effective. As a user, you need to make sure you are the right size for you, put it on correctly and use it as recommended.

The brands we recommend are

TKWC for leg cast covers

and

DryPro

for arm warmers.

How do you keep a cast dry in the rain?

Waterproof cast covers are also useful in situations other than showering. It can protect you from the rain outdoors or in environments where you might get splashes.

These covers will keep your cast dry even when it’s raining heavily outside.

Can you go to the beach with a waterproof cast?

And while it’s not advisable to go into the deep water or near rough waves, you still have the opportunity to play with sand and water.

Even if you don’t intend to go near the water, a waterproof cast cover is useful to prevent sand from getting between your cast and your skin – which can be very uncomfortable and difficult to clean.

Related:

What if I have a waterproof cast?

If you have a waterproof cast, do you still need a cast cover?

Waterproof dressings aren’t perfect, and there are still some considerations and maintenance you need to be aware of. It is advisable that even if you have a waterproof cast, you use a waterproof cast cover when showering.

TFKWC Waterproof Plaster Protection

That

waterproof leg cover

by TKWC is economical to put on and take off and extremely effective at keeping your leg cast, bandage or boot dry when you use it in the shower or bath.

It doesn’t slip off like a plastic bag and is reusable.

This waterproof protector keeps kids and adults dry. It protects dressings and bandages from water damage and keeps them clean and infection-free.

Share on Pinterest Noel Besuzzi/Getty Images We feature products that we think our readers will find useful. If you make a purchase through links on this site, we may receive a small commission. Here is our process. Certain types of broken bones may require a cast. This holds the bone in place while it heals. While plaster casts used to be made of plaster, most these days are made of fiberglass with a layer of cotton underneath to protect your skin and give you more comfort. If this inner layer of the cast gets wet, it can cause skin irritation and even infection. Casts can even fall apart if they get wet. It is important to keep a cast as dry as possible. That means bathing can be difficult and swimming is taboo, so some people might be curious about waterproof plaster casts or waterproof plaster covers. While these can make some aspects of living with a cast easier, they also have downsides.

How waterproof bandages work Waterproof bandages have a regular fiberglass outer layer, but instead of an underlying cotton layer, they have a special lining that doesn’t absorb water. As a result, it dries faster and can get wet without falling apart. You cannot get a waterproof bandage after surgery due to the higher risk of infection. You also can’t get a waterproof cast right after your injury. You will have to wait a week or two for the swelling to go down. In a waterproof cast, you can shower or bathe as usual and even swim in a pool. However, it is still recommended that you do not swim in the sea or in a pond, lest dirt get into your cast. You need to limit your time in all types of bodies of water. Not only can you wet a waterproof cast, you have to. Wetting the cast every day will help keep it clean and prevent it from irritating you. Just be sure to wash the cast thoroughly with clean water after bathing or swimming to remove soap or other substances. Waterproof bandages dry by evaporation, so you don’t need to do anything special to dry a bandage after it gets wet. They usually dry quickly but may take longer depending on body temperature and air temperature and humidity. Waterproof Cast Pros They allow you to shower or take a bath without extra preparation time or having to cover your cast.

Because the liner doesn’t stay wet, it’s less likely to smell bad and grow bacteria.

They are durable, so you might be able to do some sports that you couldn’t do with a regular cast.

Many people feel less sweaty than with a regular cast. Disadvantages of waterproof casting They may not be covered by insurance.

You will have to wait 1 to 2 weeks after your injury to have a waterproof cast put on, so you may need a different type of cast or a splint first.

An experienced technician must apply and remove the cast. Not all hospitals have this capacity.

They cannot be used after you have operated on a broken bone or if you have an open wound in the area.

How waterproof plaster covers work Waterproof plaster covers are usually made of plastic or rubber. They go over your cast and can be clipped on or have a clasp at the top. This outer layer prevents water from seeping into your cast. Waterproof cast covers professionals They are reusable.

They can be used on any type of injury with a cast, including post surgery or open wounds.

You can start using it immediately after receiving a cast.

They can be cheaper if a waterproof cast isn’t covered by insurance. Disadvantages of a waterproof cast cover They have to fit and be put on properly or you risk getting your cast wet.

Good ones can be expensive.

Even a tiny hole can cause your cast to get wet.

What type of plaster is best for bathing? You can bathe in any type of cast, but a traditional fiberglass cast needs to be fully covered. Even if you cover it completely, the cast shouldn’t be completely submerged under water. This can be more difficult if you have a cast on your lower body. A cast can make bathing easier with a traditional fiberglass cast because it eases some of the work of covering your cast. Still, you should avoid completely submerging your cast, even with a waterproof case. With a waterproof plaster cast, you can bathe normally. It does not need to be covered and dries completely. Just make sure to rinse your cast completely with clean water after bathing to remove any soapy residue.

Which plaster cast is best for swimming? You should never go swimming in a traditional fiberglass cast, even if it’s covered. If you use a waterproof cover, you should still avoid fully submerging your cast. Small holes in the cast cover or an improper fit can cause the cast to become wet. Waterproof bandages can be fully submerged for swimming, but you should avoid the ocean or other bodies of water where dirt could get into your bandage. It may be easier to swim if you have your cast on your arm.

Where to Get a Waterproof Cast or Cast Do you want a waterproof cast or cast? Here’s how to get one. Waterproof Cast A waterproof cast must be applied in your doctor’s office. Ask your doctor if they are able to put on a waterproof cast. Not every hospital or doctor’s office has the material or expertise for these casts. You will likely need a follow-up visit to get a waterproof cast. This visit takes place 1 to 2 weeks after your injury, when the swelling is going down. Waterproof bandages are less likely to be covered by insurance than regular bandages and can be more expensive. Waterproof Plaster Covering You can buy waterproof plaster coverings at drug stores, medical supply stores, and online. They can range from a few dollars to $50 depending on the material, size, and other features. Your best bet is to get a waterproof cover, which comes in a variety of sizes. If you don’t get the right size, your cast won’t be as well protected. Buy waterproof plaster covers online.

What to do if a traditional fiberglass cast gets wet If a traditional fiberglass cast gets splashed with water, you can dry it with a blow dryer on low or low setting. Be sure to dry the cast as soon as possible after it gets wet. If your cast gets very wet, call your doctor right away. Conventional fiberglass plasters can be damaged by water. They can also cause significant skin irritation. If your bandage needs to be replaced, this should be done within 24 hours of it becoming wet.

Caring for your incision and changing dressings after surgery

One of the questions that hip or knee replacement surgery patients ask is how to manage their post-operative dressing. Keeping the incision site clean and protecting it from infection is important for a successful surgical outcome. How to care for your incision and bandage after surgery.

Several different layers of sutures are used to close the surgical incision. A surgical mesh and glue are then placed over the incision and a waterproof bandage is placed over it. The surgical dressing needs to stay in place for a week. During this time you can shower but not bathe. After showering, you need to gently pat the bandage dry.

After a week you can remove the surgical bandage yourself. Start at one corner of the bandage and slowly start peeling it off. After partially removing the bandage, you should be able to see the surgical mesh underneath. Place a finger on the mesh to hold it in place and continue peeling the bandage away along the incision.

The surgical mesh stays on for 2-3 weeks. During this time, the mesh will begin to peel off at the edges. These edges can be trimmed with scissors to protect the mesh. After 2-3 weeks, the mesh and the outer surgical bandage can be slowly removed.

If your surgical dressing or mesh is moved earlier than the times above, you should call our office for further instructions. In some cases, you may need to return to the office to reapply the bandage.

To ensure the surgical site heals well, you should gently clean it with soap and water, but do not scrub or soak the incision until instructed to do so. Examine the area daily and look for signs of infection, such as yellow or green discharge and redness, hardening, or warming of the surrounding skin. Contact our office as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs.

dr Frisch is an orthopedic surgeon focused on minimally invasive hip and knee replacements and regenerative treatments for enhanced healing. He believes in creating a highly personalized experience with the highest level of service. For all appointments and inquiries please contact our offices in Rochester and River District, MI.

When you return home after the surgery, make sure the incision made by your surgeon is not infected. Familiarize yourself with some simple rules for caring for your healing wound.

When do I remove the bandage? Your doctor will give you specific instructions on when and how to change it. Most wounds go away after a few days, but keeping the area covered can help protect the cut from injury and allow it to heal faster. If you wear a bandage, change it every day. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after.

How do I keep my wound clean? You can clean the skin around the cut with a soft cloth or gauze pad. First, soak the cloth or gauze in soapy water or in a mixture of sterile water and salt. Then gently wipe or blot the skin around the wound. Do not use skin cleansers, antibacterial soaps, alcohol, iodine or peroxide. They can damage the skin in the wound and delay healing. Also, don’t apply lotions, creams, or herbal products unless you’ve checked with your doctor first. Your doctor will tell you how to wash out your wound. They may tell you to fill a syringe with salt water or mild soapy water. This will help flush away any pus that comes out. Finally, pat dry with clean gauze or a clean towel.

cuts and scratches

The skin is our main contact with our environment, so it is often subject to injuries, including small cuts and scratches. Severe trauma to the skin can damage nerves, blood vessels, tendons, bones, and organs and require immediate medical attention. This advice applies only to injuries that can be safely treated through self-care.

signs and symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type, location, and severity of the injury. Minor cuts and scratches usually heal within two weeks.

Self-sufficiency

Clean the wound thoroughly with mild soap and plenty of water, especially if the dirt is stuck. When it heals, wash with soap and water at least twice a day—more often if needed.

Over-the-counter (OTC) antiseptic detergents or antibacterial soaps are acceptable for cleaning the skin around the wound.

Apply an OTC antibacterial ointment to the wound once or twice a day. Follow the directions on the packaging.

Keep your wound covered with clean gauze or a band-aid during waking hours. You can leave it uncovered while you sleep if it doesn’t weep or hurt.

Don’t soak your wound for a long time while bathing. Don’t go swimming until it’s healed. Brief exposure to water from the shower is fine.

Apply a fresh bandage if it gets wet and after you have showered or bathed.

Red flags

CALL THE UHS NURSE ADVICE LINE at (512) 475-6877 (NURS) IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: