Fiberglass Cast Care
It may take up to 2 hours for the fiberglass to get completely hard. Don’t put any weight on the cast during that time or it may break.
To prevent swelling under the cast, do the following for the first 2 days (48 hours):
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If the cast is on your arm: Keep it in a sling or raised to shoulder level when you are sitting or standing. Rest it on your chest or on a pillow at your side when lying down. Keep the cast above the level of your heart.
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If the cast is on your leg: Keep it propped up above the level of your hip when you are sitting or lying down. Sleep with the cast raised on pillows. Avoid crutch walking as much as possible during this time.
Keep the cast completely dry at all times. Bathe with your cast well out of the water. Protect it with 2 layers of plastic, such as 2 large plastic bags, kept in place with rubber bands or tape. Or you may use a waterproof shield. If your cast does get wet, you may use a hair dryer on the cool setting to dry it. A wet cast may cause skin problems.
Don’t put creams or objects under the cast if you have itching. If itching persists, contact your provider.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised.
When to get medical care
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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The cast cracks
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Soft or weak spot in the cast
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The cast and padding get wet and stay wet for more than 24 hours
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Bad smell from the cast or wound fluid stains the cast
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Tightness or pressure under the cast gets worse
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Fingers or toes become swollen, cold, blue, numb, or tingly
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You can’t move your fingers or toes
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Pain under the cast gets worse or you have a burning feeling
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Skin around the cast becomes red or irritated
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Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider
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Shaking chills
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer:
Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Thomas N Joseph MD
Date Last Reviewed:
10/1/2022
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.