With a waterproof cast you are able to still go take a swim!

Casts have been used for thousands of years to protect broken bones. The ancient Indians and Egyptians utilized wooden splits to treat fractures. The invention of the modern Plaster of Paris cast can be attributed to two military surgeons, Antonius Mathijsen and Nikolai Pirogov. Dr. Pirogov was the initial person to use Plaster of Paris casts on a large scale during the Crimean War in the 1850s. Because then, Plaster of Paris has been the material of choice for making casts.Though Plaster of Paris casts are a cheap and efficient method to treat bone fractures, they have certain irritants. They're really difficult and bulky; which can be a problem for some, especially for children. Even limited contact with water can ruin them completely. Because they've to become left on for weeks if not months at a time, bathing and other daily activities turn out to be really inconvenient, even a change in weather can completely ruin a standard Plaster cast. Moreover, these casts are known to cause skin irritation, itching, rashes and even bacterial infections.Due to the above mentioned difficulties, medical researchers have experimented with many various materials that eventually ended up making them waterproof. Since the late 1970s, fiberglass has become increasingly popular as a substitute for Plaster of Paris. Fiberglass is a synthetic material that is made from moldable plastic reinforced by extremely fine glass fibers. Fiberglass casts contains a polyurethane resin that is incorporated into the bandage. The main advantages of fiberglass casts more than plaster casts are detailed below:1. In contrast to plaster casts, fiberglass casts are largely water-proof, though the insides have to be protected from water. This minor issue is effectively solved by using water resistant cast liners.2. They are significantly lighter than plaster casts and come in numerous attractive colors producing them more appealing to children.3. In contrast to plaster casts, which literally have to be cut open with sharp instruments, removing fiberglass casts is extremely easy and convenient.4. The above mentioned skin difficulties are virtually absent in modern fiberglass casts as the polyurethane resin allows normal air circulation inside the cast keeping the skin healthy.With the introduction of water resistant cast liners within the late 1980s, fiberglass models have become totally water resistant. It's now possible to use a waterproof cast cover to take a bath, enjoy the rains and even take a swim. They're really affordable and effortlessly available. Thanks towards the substantial advantages and pleasantness in using awaterproof cast for broken bones, their usage is set to increase exponentially in the coming years.