Treating a fracture isn’t only about keeping the bone immobilized. For many patients, everyday challenges such as showering, sweating, itching, unpleasant odors and keeping the skin clean become some of the most frustrating parts of recovery.

Traditional plaster and fiberglass casts with conventional padding generally need to remain dry. Moisture can weaken plaster, while damp padding against the skin may cause irritation. Patients are therefore commonly advised to protect their cast with waterproof covers while bathing or showering.

Why shouldn’t a traditional cast get wet?

A conventional cast normally includes a rigid outer shell and a soft layer of padding next to the skin. Even when the outside appears undamaged, water can enter the padding and remain trapped underneath the cast.

This may lead to:

  • Softening or weakening of the cast
  • Prolonged moisture against the skin
  • Itching and skin irritation
  • Unpleasant odors
  • Difficulty inspecting the skin

Persistent wetness, discharge, unusual odor, burning or excessive pressure under a cast should be reported to the patient’s healthcare team.

Showering isn’t the only hygiene challenge

Skin beneath a closed cast may become itchy due to heat and sweating. However, inserting objects such as pens, rulers or sticks underneath the cast can injure the skin and increase the risk of infection.

Medical guidance also advises patients not to place powders, lotions or deodorants inside a conventional cast.

As a result, patients may spend several weeks unable to wash the covered area properly or inspect the skin underneath the cast.

How does NeoCast approach this problem differently?

NeoCast is designed to address some of the practical limitations associated with fully enclosed casts.

Its lightweight, open polymer structure provides more space for airflow, improves skin visibility and makes the immobilized area easier to access for cleaning. Because the polymer structure isn’t designed to absorb and retain water like conventional cast padding, hygiene can become more manageable during recovery.

However, washable doesn’t automatically mean that every patient can swim, soak the injured limb or expose it to water without restrictions. Dressings, wounds, surgical incisions or additional padding underneath the device may still need to remain dry.

The patient should always follow the instructions provided by their physician or clinical team.

Can you shower while wearing NeoCast?

The answer depends on the type of fracture, the condition of the skin, the presence of wounds or dressings and the physician’s instructions.

When medically approved, NeoCast’s open polymer design can allow controlled washing and easier drying of the immobilized area. After contact with water, both the device and all accessible areas of the skin should be dried properly.

For comparison, even fiberglass casts can normally get wet only when they include a specially designed waterproof liner. Waterproof casting systems aren’t suitable for every type of fracture or every stage of treatment.

When should a patient contact a doctor?

Patients should contact their healthcare provider when they experience:

  • Increasing pain or severe tightness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Unusual swelling
  • Cold, pale or blue fingers
  • Burning or stinging sensations
  • Persistent moisture, discharge or unusual odor
  • Reduced ability to move the fingers

These symptoms may indicate excessive pressure, impaired circulation or a skin-related complication that requires medical assessment.

A cleaner approach to fracture recovery

Immobilization remains an essential part of fracture treatment, but it shouldn’t mean completely ignoring hygiene, comfort and the patient’s everyday quality of life.

With its open, washable polymer structure, NeoCast offers a different approach to fracture care—one designed to support the injured limb while addressing everyday concerns such as sweating, itching, skin visibility and showering.

The final choice of immobilization device should always be made by a qualified healthcare professional based on the type, location and stability of the fracture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a traditional cast gets wet?

Water may weaken the cast or remain trapped in the padding, potentially causing skin irritation. The patient should contact the healthcare team when the cast becomes soaked or cannot be dried properly.

Is NeoCast completely waterproof?

NeoCast is better described as washable rather than universally waterproof. Whether the device can be exposed to water depends on the injury, underlying dressings and the physician’s instructions.

Can patients remove NeoCast themselves?

No. Patients shouldn’t remove, loosen or modify any fracture immobilization device without medical approval.

Is NeoCast suitable for every fracture?

No. Suitability depends on the location and stability of the fracture, swelling, skin condition and the stage of recovery.