Keeping bandages dry is essential for your body’s healing process.
Wet bandages can lead to infection, discomfort, and irritation.
As water will likely splash or drip down onto your bandage when showering, it’s best to protect it using a waterproof covering.
Below are 5 ways to keep your bandage dry while keeping yourself clean:
1. Use a Plastic Wrap
Use plastic wrap to cover the bandage to stop it from getting wet.
Plastic wrap allows you to easily protect the bandaged area, just wrap the plastic around the bandage and then secure the edges with tape.
Be sure to wrap the area tightly as any gaps will let water in.
Although plastic wrap offers great protection it shouldn’t be submerged in water. This is simply because the seal may not be tight enough to stop water from seeping in when underwater.
You could also use a plastic bag rather than wrap. A bag is particularly useful when your bandage is on your hand or foot as you can cover the whole area quickly and easily. A bin bag could be used to protect a whole arm or leg too.
Make sure there are no holes in the bag and use a rubber band, duct tape or a similar adhesive to secure it and prevent leaks.
2. Use a Cast Cover
Cast covers are specifically designed sleeves that cover casts. They are easy to use and come in different sizes to suit the type of cast that needs to be protected.
Some cast covers come with a pump to remove air from under the cover, this ensures there is a tight seal so no water can get in.
Although cast covers cost more than other options, they are durable, effective, and will stay dry when submerged in water.
If you have a long healing process ahead of you, a cast cover will make it a lot easier to shower and bath without damaging the bandage or cast, they can also be used on a cast while swimming.
3. Get a Waterproof Bandage
You can use waterproof bandages to cover the cast. This type of bandage provides protection so the cast can withstand water.
Traditional bandages will absorb water and need to be changed immediately after getting wet. Using a waterproof bandage that properly covers and seals off the area means you can shower with ease.
Waterproof bandages are also useful for outdoor activities and environments where there is a risk of your bandage getting splashed or wet.
Some casts are actually made with waterproof materials but your doctor will provide instructions on whether or not you can shower without protecting your cast/ bandage.
Waterproof casts are usually made from fiberglass with synthetic padding that repels water.
4. Use a Condom
An imaginative but effective way to protect a bandage when you shower is to cover it with a (non-lubricated) condom.
The condom can be placed over the bandaged area just as a plastic bag would and then the end should be sealed with waterproof tape to prevent leaks.
5. Towel Washes
Sometimes it is best to avoid showering during the healing process and instead use a damp towel to clean yourself.
If it is too difficult to keep the bandages dry in the shower, you could try sitting in the bath but the location of the bandage will determine if this is a good idea or not.
A wet bandage or cast can cause infection, irritation, discomfort, odour, and other issues so opt for towel washes if you think you won’t be able to keep the bandages dry in the shower.
