Information about plaster (gips/X-lite bandage(korkskinne arm eller ben))

Til patienter og pårørende

A plaster cast has been applied to your injured limb to immobillise it.

There are several different types of plaster cast bandages, they can be of plaster of paris (POP), X-lite or made from cork.

POP bandages take up to 48 hours to dry, while X-lite takes 20 minuts. The cork bandage does not need to dry.

Elevation

It is important you elevate (raise) your injured limb as much as possible for the first 24-48 hours. This will help fluid (swelling) to drain from the injured limb and reduce any swelling that may cause your plaster cast to feel tight.

Arm

Keep your arm elevated in a sling provided or on cushions, make sure that your hand is higher than your elbow. Exercise your fingers and arm often.

Leg

Keep your leg raised on several pillows so that your ankle is higher that your hip. Exercise your toes and keep when possible.

Skin care

Skin under the cast may become itchy due to dry skin. Do not push anything down inside the cast as this may result in a break in the skin and infection may occure.

Washing

Do not get water in or on your cast; it is not waterproof and may weakning the cast. Your skin becomes irritated with prolonged immersion/contact with water.

Exercises

While your limb is in a plaster cast, it is important to move the joints that are not restrained by the cast.

Pain killers

Broken bones, sprains, swelling and injured ligaments can be painful. Taking painkillers can reduce the pain.

Seek urgent medical help

Please contact for advice

• If you experience cold or white/bluishe fingers or toes (not bruising)
• Pain, pins and needles or numbness in toes or fingers
• If your fingers or toes swell up despite continue elevation
• If your plaster cast become soft, wet, cracked or damaged
• If an object become lodged in your plaster cast.

Weekdays 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Ortopaedic Surgery Outpatient Clinic (Ortopædkirurgisk Ambulatorium)

telephone +45 7918 2126.

Other times Accident and Emergency Service telephone +45 7011 0707.

Kind regards

The Staff Accident and Emergency Service

Esbjerg Sygehus Grindsted Sygehus

• Esbjerg: Finsensgade 35, 6700 Esbjerg
• Grindsted: Engparken 1, 7200 Grindsted

Kontakt Ortopædkirurgisk Afdeling Finsensgade 35 6700 Esbjerg +45 7918 2126

pinfoSVS-1330394561-35 154681   |   11.06.2026