(HealthDay News) -- Wearing a cast or splint requires special care to help a broken bone heal.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions:

• Make sure the cast or splint stays dry.
• Don't put weight on a walking cast until the cast has completely hardened and dried.
• Take care to prevent sand, powder and dirt from getting between the cast and skin.
• Don't remove padding from the cast or splint.
• Never use an object to reach beneath the cast to scratch. Don't apply powder or deodorant on itchy skin beneath a cast.
• Never break off pieces of the cast.
• Regularly inspect the cast for soft spots. Check surrounding skin for signs of irritation. If you find either of these problems, contact your doctor.