My sister is plastered, what should I do to keep from cracking?

My sister is in plaster because she has a displacement in the hip. What should I do to prevent the plaster from cracking?
Expert answer:

You need to have some care with the plaster so it does not crack, such as:

  • Do not wet the plaster: Plaster needs to be protected during bathing with a plastic bag, for example. If it is not possible to protect the plaster, a shower should be avoided. If the plaster becomes damp or wet, it can crack and lose the ability to keep the site immobilized;
  • Do not hit the plaster or plaster: A blow to the plaster can cause a crack, causing the immobilized end to become swollen and painful, disrupting the recovery of the fracture.

In addition to measures to prevent cracks in the plaster, other recommendations must also be followed:

  • Do not put anything inside the cast: Do not let your child use any sharp objects to scratch the skin inside the plaster as it can hurt the skin. Also, the child should not be allowed to put small objects into the plaster, even if only for fun;
  • Do not put talc or ointments into the plaster as it irritates the skin: If the itching is very strong, one can try to relieve the discomfort with the hair dryer at cold temperature. The hot temperature should never be used in the plaster because it can soften it.

For further clarification on the care you should take with your sister's gypsum, speak to the orthopedic doctor who laid the gypsum.