If you're like most kids, you've probably broken a bone. Or maybe you know someone else who has. That means you've seen a cast. Do you know how a cast works? What it's made of? Whether it's OK to draw on one? Keep reading to find out more.
Think of a cast as a big bandage that has two layers. Inside there is a soft cotton layer. It rests next to the skin. This makes the cast more comfortable. It also protects the skin. Outside there is a hard outer layer. This layer prevents the broken bone from moving. Sometimes you can choose how your cast looks. You can pick cool colors or patterns.
Casts come in two types. The first type is made of plaster of @Paris. You may have used this material for arts and crafts. Plaster of Paris is a heavy white powder. When it's mixed with water, it forms a thick paste that gets hard fast.
The second type is made of fiberglass. This is a plastic material. It can be shaped. Fiberglass casts come in lots of colors. These casts are lighter and stronger than plaster casts. That makes them easier to wear. It also makes them last longer.
Your doctor will make sure that all the pieces of your broken bone are in their proper places. Then he'll put on the cast to prevent the pieces from moving while they heal. This way they'll grow back together into one bone. It also prevents injury to the area around the bone. Most kids with broken bones say it actually feels much better once the cast is on.
