Bones break. Despite helmets, seat belts, calcium supplements and every other measure we take to protect our bodies, bones remain fragile and accidents happen. According to the Cleveland Clinic, millions of breaks occur every year in the U.S.

For most Americans, these injuries are only a temporary problem. When a bone breaks, the body – and medical professionals – jump into action to help repair the damage to ensure that normal function is restored.  

How do broken bones heal?
Bones are made primarily of the protein collagen. Though hard and able to withstand a great deal of pressure, even strong bones can break under certain conditions. These injuries are typically diagnosed by an X-ray or other form of bone scan. 

There are two primary types of breaks: simple and compound. Simple fractures are breaks that stay within the skin, while compound fractures penetrate the skin, exposing bone and tissue. Depending on the severity of the break, it may require a simple cast for immobilization, or a more severe intervention, such as screws that hold the bone in place while it heals.

According to the Arizona State University School of Life Sciences, the body begins the healing process by forming blood clots around the break. Cells known as phagocytes clean the wound and kill any germs, and chondroblast cells form a soft callus around the fracture. New bone then begins to form.

Most broken bones take anywhere from several weeks to several months to fully heal, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The exact timeline depends on which bone was broken and the severity of the break, as well as the age of the person. Typically, younger people heal faster.

No matter what type of break you've suffered, cast protection is an important part of ensuring that the injury heals successfully.

Tips for successful healing 
Once you have been treated by a medical professional – and have likely received a cast – there are some steps you can take to encourage proper healing. First, limit your movement as much as possible in the beginning. If you broke a bone in your foot or leg, this may involve staying off your feet for awhile. Your doctor will be able to give you exact recommendations regarding your activity level for your specific type of break.   

You should also make sure that your body is receiving the nutrients it needs to heal. The American Society of Orthopedic Professionals reported that protein, vitamin D, vitamin C and iron are all essential for healing broken bones.  

Cast protection is additionally an important part of ensuring that the injury heals successfully. If the cast becomes wet, for instance, the padding could irritate your skin or the plaster may even become compromised. With SEAL-TIGHT® products, you can shower like usual without worrying about water damage to your cast.  

To ensure that you give your body the best possible chance of healing properly, be sure to follow recommendations from your physician closely and seek professional attention with any questions.    

The post How do broken bones heal? appeared first on Brownmed.

When you suffer from an injury that breaks a bone, your cast becomes your closest companion during the recovery period. For your cast to do its best work, it's critical to keep the space between your cast and skin dry. Along with your already impaired movement, this can make your daily showering routine slightly more difficult.

Made with plaster and lined with cotton, traditional casts can be ruined when they come into contact with water. But even waterproof casts and their synthetic materials aren't entirely immune to the issues caused by water getting inside the dressing. Here are the three drawbacks of wearing a waterproof cast, plus the trick to avoiding those disadvantages:

1. Hefty price tag
Due to their advanced technology and newer materials, waterproof casts tend to be more expensive than alternatives. Plus, not all insurance policies will cover the additional costs to upgrade to a waterproof cast.

2. Pesky upkeep
After a waterproof cast gets wet in the shower or pool, it should be flushed with mild soap and water, then thoroughly rinsed with a forceful flow of water, according to Washington University Orthopedics. While the lining is waterproof, it can still take a decent amount of time for it to dry completely when it does come into contact with water. Some compare the feeling to wearing a wet sock for a few hours. You can speed up the drying process with a hair dryer, but of course you'll need be to careful not to burn your skin.

3. Potential issues
The waterproof element of the cast doesn't necessarily guarantee protection from skin irritations. You'll still need to continually dry under the cast to protect the skin from hyper hydration, infections or rashes. Plus, the skin under the cast may still feel dry, even though you can fully submerge the cast in water. These issues can stall the healing process, or at the very least cause discomfort.

Cast covers provide watertight protection.

How can you overcome the drawbacks?
You certainly can't forgo the cast altogether, but you also don't have to settle for putting up with the drawbacks. Instead, invest in a cast protector. Even if you have a waterproof cast, the extra layer of protection is a valuable added assurance that water won't find its way in between your skin and cast, potentially causing further issues.

SEAL-TIGHT cast and bandage protectors are an easy, durable way to stay dry, guaranteed to keep casts and bandages dry whether you're showering, bathing or swimming. The covers easily stretch over casts, then seal securely for watertight protection. The original SEAL-TIGHT cast protector, designed for daily showering and bathing, is available in adult and pediatric sizes for hand and arm casts, as well as foot and leg. If you or the kids plan to spend time in the pool and hot tub, the sport cast covers will keep the dressings protected. SEAL-TIGHT is also available for more site-specific areas, such as mid-arm, elbow and knee. Plus, they're reusable and easy-to-use, making your recovery period a seamless process.

The post 3 drawbacks of waterproof casts and how to overcome them appeared first on Brownmed.

When you or your child break a bone, a cast can provide the support needed for healing. It's important, however, to take proper care of this cast – or it may not work as it's designed to.

By keeping the following care tips in mind, you can ensure your cast stays in good condition and aids a speedy recovery:

1. Keep your arm or leg raised
During the first few days of wearing your cast, it's important to keep your leg or arm raised on a soft surface, according to the National Health Service of the U.K. Not only does this provide assistance in reducing the swelling of the injury, it also ensures the cast dries correctly. If it doesn't dry as it's supposed to, the cast will weaken and could eventually break. Use a pillow for support during the first week of wearing the leg or arm cast, and continue to do so when you're relaxing.

2. Don't use lotions
Make sure to avoid applying lotions, deodorant, powder, creams and gels around or inside the cast. These can break down the material keeping it together. If you feel an itch or irritation coming from the inside of the plaster, take a deep breath and let the feeling subside naturally. While this may be difficult, it's your best bet when it comes to ensuring the durability of your cast. 

3. Leave adjustments to the doctor
If there is any uncomfortable area of the cast, call the doctor instead of making adjustments yourself. Pulling at the padding or attempting to break off or trim rough edges of the cast will ultimately weaken it and make it more likely to break on its own in the future. As soon as you notice the leg or arm cast needs an adjustment, contact the doctor to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommended using a soft towel or adhesive tape to make it more comfortable.

The Sport line of SEAL-TIGHT cast and bandage protectors can be used for swimming.

4. Cover it up with SEAL-TIGHT products from Brownmed
Your top priority for your cast care should be keeping it out of the water. Getting your cast wet will not only break down the interior and exterior, but it could also cause irritation and increase your risk for developing an infection. You certainly shouldn't avoid bathing while you wear a cast, but you can err on the side of caution by covering up with a SEAL-TIGHT product.

SEAL-TIGHT is the No. 1 brand for cast and bandage protection. These products are designed to keep water out during showering, bathing and swimming. All products created by SEAL-TIGHT are latex-free, easy to use and guaranteed to keep your leg or arm cast dry and in good condition.

Aside from caring for your cast, don't forget to continue exercising the joints that aren't covered by the cast to enhance circulation through the elbows, knees, fingers and toes.

Explore the different SEAL-TIGHT product options Brownmed offers, and purchase yours today!

The post 4 tips for keeping your cast in good condition appeared first on Brownmed.

You broke a bone, but now that you have a cast on, you're good to go, right? Well, yes and no. Casts are an important step on the road to recovery. They help ensure that your bone heals properly by preventing movement, which is critical for regaining full function after your injury. 

However, if you don't take proper care of your cast, it can be significantly less effective. 

To expedite the healing process, you need to pay special care to protect your cast from the elements. Investing in a waterproof cast cover can help ensure that your cast remains strong and secure and is able to function the way it's intended to. 

The watertight cover is comfortable, easy to use and seals without complicated loops, hooks or straps.

Water dangers to your cast 
If your cast is made of plaster, water can post a significant threat. Plaster melts when it gets wet, which means that dampness can loosen your cast or otherwise damage its structural integrity. This can make being around water dangerous and taking a shower downright challenging. 

However, some casts today are made from fiberglass rather than plaster. While this material stands up better to water, it's still best to avoid excess moisture. Though the structure of the cast likely won't be damaged, you'll need to dry it off, as the Mayo Clinic reported: Even fiberglass can become uncomfortable when wet. The best strategy for drying any kind of cast is to use a blow dryer on the cool setting, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. 

And the outside of the cast isn't your only concern. The padding inside can also soak up moisture, which can create the perfect environment for mold or mildew growth. This can cause health complications ranging from minor skin irritation to serious infections. 

The advantages of a waterproof cast cover
Water is clearly a danger to your cast. But what can you do? Short of foregoing showering for the weeks it takes your bone to heal – which is not recommended – you'll need some type of cover. Though some people try to make their own form of protection using plastic wrap, this can be a risky choice. Even small leaks can expose your cast to water and cause damage. 

A waterproof cast cover is a smarter choice in these situations. These tools are usually made of a waterproof plastic material and completely envelope your cast. Typically designed for arms or legs, these covers allow you to continue your normal routine without worrying about spills or splashes. 

Brownmed's SealTight® products are specially designed to protect your cast from water during showering or bathing. The watertight cover is comfortable, easy to use and seals without complicated loops, hooks or straps. The SealTight® Sport covers can even be used to keep your cast dry during recreational water activities, such as swimming.   

Protecting your cast from the elements has never been simpler! Try a SealTight® cast protector today. 

The post Invest in a waterproof cast cover to protect your cast appeared first on Brownmed.

It's always scary when you or a loved one has an accident and you immediately see a lot of blood. In an emergency situation, that fear may make it hard to properly assess the wound, especially with young children, who are likely more inclined to panic at the sight of blood. But when someone is cut, it's important to quickly figure out whether emergency attention is required.

With a cut or puncture that is bleeding heavily, one of the most common treatments is stitches. Though minor cuts can heal on their own, deeper wounds require help to hold the skin together until the body can mend. 

But for many, the big question is: How do you know if you need stitches?

When do you need stitches?
Start by checking the wound. You might need to rinse the area off to properly see the depth and shape of the cut. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should visit the emergency room if the wound is:

• Gaping open to an extent that the wound won't close with gentle pressure.
• Bleeding heavily with little or no signs of slowing.
• Located in a cosmetic area, such as the face, or on/near the genitalia.
• Located across or on one of your joints.
• Deep enough to expose yellow fatty tissue. 

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center further reported that you may also need stitches if your cut is deeper than a quarter of an inch, exposing muscle or bone or still bleeding after applying pressure for 15 minutes. 

Regardless of its shape, depth or location, if the wound is the result of a bullet or other high-speed projectile, human or animal bite or a rusty object, you should seek medical attention. Even if these situations don't necessarily need stitches, your medical provider may advise a shot or other antibiotics. 

Knowing when you don't need stitches is also important. According to UPMC, if your wound is a puncture, shallow or has smooth edges that stay together even when you move, it will likely heal without additional assistance. 

If you're uncertain about the severity of your cut, it's best to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical attention.   

After you receive stitches, it's critical to keep the wound clean.

Care for your stitches
Once you've determined that you need stitches – and have been treated – your next step is to ensure that the wound is properly cared for when you're back home. Your physician will probably give you detailed instructions on this topic, which will likely include a recommendation to keep the area dry, especially in the first days. 

While it's important to keep your stitches moisture-free, you don't need to give up showering altogether until your wound heals.  Brownmed's SEAL-TIGHT® line offers a number of convenient products to help you live your normal life while you heal. For example, the disposable Shield patches provide a supplemental dressing that provides moisture protection while you shower. Just apply the patch to the wound site and then use the release tab to remove the patch when you're finished. You can find them at your local Walmart or online at Amazon.com today.   

The post How do you know when you need stitches? appeared first on Brownmed.

A broken bone is practically a childhood rite of passage. Whether it occurred as the result of a fall from a tree fort or a miscalculated trick on a bike, it's an injury that happens in an instant, but can take weeks – or even months – to heal. During that time, one of your largest challenges as a parent will be taking care of the cast to ensure the injury remains protected as it mends. 

If your child broke a bone, follow these five tips – as well as any instructions from your health care provider – to keep the cast in good condition. 

1. Keep it clean
The first step to maintaining a cast is to keep it clean. But depending on the age of your child, even this simple task may present a challenge. Little ones will likely need extra attention to ensure they don't collect food, dirt and other grime while they're healing. For example, you might find it helpful to cover the cast with something during meals or other times when it could be exposed to spills from the table. Try to avoid situations where it could collect dust or dirt as well. The cast will probably be on for a number of weeks, so rolling around playing somewhere it will become covered in sweat and dirt is less than ideal. Not only will the cast look dirty, but it might start to smell bad as well. 

2. Avoid powders and lotions
While casts are important for ensuring that the broken bone or bones heal properly, they aren't necessarily always comfortable. It may be tempting to use some kind of cream or salve to ease itching or other discomfort, but, according to Mayo Clinic, powders, lotions and deodorant should not be used on – or even near – the cast. 

If itchiness is a problem, pass on the powders and lotions and pull out a hairdryer instead and blow cool air under the cast. 

As a parent, you might need to step in when your child isn't treating a cast with the care it requires.

3. Seek professional assistance for adjustments
Though you play an important role in taking care of your child's cast, you shouldn't always be the one to fix problems during the recovery period. If your child's cast needs to be adjusted or develops a crack or soft spot, get help from a medical provider. Though it may be tempting to make little fixes yourself, you run the risk of damaging the cast or even exacerbating your child's injury. 

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, signs you should contact the doctor include:

• Increased pain and a feeling of tightness.
• Inability to move fingers or toes.
• Significant swelling below the cast.
• Burning or stinging of the skin.
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. 

These symptoms could signify a problem that should be assessed by a provider as soon as possible.  

4. Dry it immediately if it gets wet
Even if your child knows not to jump into the pool until the cast comes off, there still could be some accidents that involve water while the bone heals. If the cast becomes damp, it's important to dry it off as quickly as possible, as moisture can weaken the plaster and dampen the padding, causing irritation to the skin. You can use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting to eliminate any moisture. 

If the cast is fiberglass, a small amount of water may not be a problem. However, you should always talk to the doctor to be sure and follow any care instructions you're given. 

5. Stay dry with SEAL-TIGHT®
Though it's possible to dry a cast, it's easier to just avoid it getting wet in the first place. SEAL-TIGHT® Original Cast and Bandage Protector's pediatric models are specifically designed to keep your child's cast dry during showers and baths. The nonlatex diaphragm is easy to stretch over the cast – no straps or hooks necessary – and forms a watertight seal that provides the best possible protection from moisture. When bathtime rolls around, simply apply the protector and rest easy knowing your child can enjoy a normal bath or shower routine without damaging the cast.   

The post 5 tips for taking care of your child’s cast appeared first on Brownmed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's most recent survey, there are as many as 4.4 million instances of a fractured or broken bones every year in the U.S. Although the vast majority of these occur among older adults, a broken arm or leg can be a real problem for your child. Rambunctious children may be less patient with casts or bandages and have a more difficult time protecting them from water. 

A cast or bandage is most effective when it stays dry. By using Seal-Tight Protection, you can keep your child's cast safe from moisture. 

Staying clean
As trivial as it may seem, younger children may struggle to take a bath or shower with a cast. FiveThirtyEight reported that each year broken arms and legs alone account for hundreds of thousands of trips to the doctor or emergency room. Effectively bathing while keeping a cast high and dry can be difficult. A kid can become irritated or avoid showering altogether, and homemade wraps made out of plastic or tinfoil are rarely, if ever, reliable. 

A wet cast or bandage can become ruined, and re-casting can be expensive and frustrating. More to the point, damaging a broken bone's protection undermines the healing process. By opting for true protection, your child can protect his or her broken limb without giving up personal hygiene. Likewise, getting water under a cast might not always be as detrimental, but it can be itchy or uncomfortable.

Fun in the sun
When the weather cooperates, children love getting wet. There's nothing more fun than a water balloon flight or dip in the pool. Having a cast can be a real problem, however, at least when these aren't protected with true moisture protection.

Having to sit out a school trip to the water park or in impromptu water pistol fight can be a big let-down for your kid, but having the right protective gear on hand can make all the difference. Your child should exercise caution when selecting appropriate activities, but it's fully possible to mitigate any risks related to water. 

Winter exploration
When the temperature drops, children have a knack for activities that involve getting wet. A fresh blanket of snow is perfect for building forts, having snowball fights or making snow angels. Even under snow pants and other clothing, however, a child with a cast may be forced to stay indoors. So long as the activity doesn't pose a risk to a healing bone, Seal-Tight Protection can fully cover your child's cast and allow him or her to get in on the action.

A broken bone can be difficult for a child because it might limit the number of options available for having fun. Keeping a cast or bandage safe from water damage is a way to bring about a bit of normalcy. Keeping the limb safe from harm should be a top priority, but when possible, moisture protection allows your child a little more freedom and flexibility when dealing with a cast or bandage.

The post Without moisture protection, a cast can be a problem for your child appeared first on Brownmed.