What Are Wet Wraps For Eczema

Risks Of Wet Wrap Therapy

Talk to your doctor before trying wet wrap therapy. Theyâll tell you if itâs right for you, how and when to do it, and how to look for signs of skin infection.

Avoid using wet wrap therapy for more than 1-2 weeks. Doing it too long or too often can lead to side effects like skin infection.

Call your doctor if you still have symptoms or if you have a fever, redness, or pain. They may be signs of infection.

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How To Do Wet Wraps At Home

Wet wraps can be done at home or when traveling, but only after consultation and approval from your health care provider.

You first want to familiarize yourself with the concept and talk to a specialist about it determine if this is the right approach for your child, Boguniewicz cautioned. Overuse can do more harm than good.

Once you get the go-ahead from your doctor, youll want to start with clean, preferably white, cotton clothing or gauze from a roll for the wet layer, and pajamas or a sweat suit on top as a dry layer. If the eczema is on the feet and/or hands, you can use cotton gloves or socks for the wet layer with vinyl gloves or food-grade plastic wrap as the dry layer.

First, moisten the clothing or gauze in warm water until they are slightly damp. Next, wrap the moist dressing around the affected area. Then, gently wrap the dry layer over the wet one. Lastly, carefully put on nighttime clothing so as not to disturb the dressing. Leave wet wraps on for several hours or overnight, being sure not to let them dry out.

Do wet wraps work for treating the itch and pain associated with eczema? Yes! But you should always consult with a health care provider prior to starting wet wrap therapy.

Follow These 3 Tips For An Effective Wet

Before bed

This treatment is naturally suited to the evening, before going to bed for the night. Being all covered in cream is hardly the time to do your more energetic activities. Rather, this is the ideal time to relax before settling in for a great, itch-free night.

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Do Not Rely Solely On Age

• Remember Soothems work best when worn tight fitting, but not restrictive.
• Soothems are designed with a generous amount of stretch so they can fit close to the skin.
• We recommend that if there is any doubt about size selection, the next larger size should be chosen provided it will still fit snugly.
• Soothems are a personal healthcare, FDA registered Class 1 medical device and therefore are not eligible for returns or exchanges once the polybag seal has been broken or the polybag has been opened and/or the product has been removed from the poly bag.
• If you have any questions regarding the fit of an item, please contact Soothems at or call +612.601.0700, we are happy to help.

If you have any questions regarding the fit of an item, please contact Soothems at or call +612.601.0700, we are happy to help.

What Are The Benefits Of Wet Wrap Therapy

The goal of the treatment, according to the National Eczema Association, is to rehydrate the skin and make medications soak in more effectively. Brar says it helps restore the skin barrier, reduces water loss, helps heal the abrasions and crusty areas on the skin, and can treat inflammation if the skin is infected. It also serves as a physical barrier, so by covering the area, it can prevent scratching as well, she says.

Wet wrap therapy is often used on children, which parents can administer at home, but it can work for adults, too. Its just a little more cumbersome given the larger bodies and bigger surface area to treat, Brar says.

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How Are Paste Bandages And Wet Wraps Used

Viscose tubular bandages and therapeutic garments can be helpful as they hinder scratching and aid the absorption of emollients, thereby helping to control the itchscratch cycle and eczema flares. However, bandaging and wrapping should only be used under the supervision of your healthcare professional.

Bandages and wraps can be used to cover the whole body in children, but adults tend to use them only over patches of eczema.

In wet wrapping, warm, wet tubular bandages are applied to the body over a generous layer of emollient and sometimes a mild or moderately potent topical steroid . A dry layer of bandage is then placed over the wet layer. Wet wraps are particularly helpful at night as they also cool the skin.

Paste bandages for eczema come impregnated with ingredients that soothe the itch and calm irritation. There are several types of paste bandages available, such as icthopaste , viscopaste and Zipzoc , which is more like a stocking than a bandage. Paste bandages can be used for whole limbs or patches of eczema to which a normal amount of emollient and prescribed topical steroid is applied . Since paste bandages are messy, secondary bandages are necessary these also help to hold the paste bandages more securely in place.

CAUTION: Covering up the skin makes topical treatments more potent, so you should only use topical steroids under bandages and wraps as advised by your healthcare professional. Do not use paste bandages or wet wraps if your skin is infected.

When To Use Wet Wraps For Your Childs Eczema

In my office I typically start with some very simple supplements and dietary changes to help heal eczema from the inside out. I list several in my article Allergies, asthma and eczema: The Th1/Th2 story

If these simple supplements are not helping, or if the childs eczema is severe to the point of scratching nightly then I will typically recommend the family to start wet wraps as well.

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What Is Wet Wrap Therapy

Wet wrap therapy is a treatment where you put wet dressings to your skin to rehydrate and soothe it.

First, you soak gauze or fabric in warm water. Then, you put it on the affected areas of your skin. Youâll cover it with a layer of dry cloth and leave it there usually for a few hours or overnight.

It cools and hydrates your skin, helps with itching, soothes inflammation, and helps topical medications work better.

Have Your Child Soak In Warm Bath Water For At Least 15 Minutes

Do NOT use detergent-containing soaps. In fact we recommend using NO soap until you can find a hypoallergenic, mild moisture-rich soap that your child does not react to. Be aware that when eczema becomes severe some children will begin to react to many or all plant-based products. For now it is best to skip the soap all together. If the child has eczema on his/her head then periodically pour warm water over the head or put a wet washcloth on the head to increase moisture to the affected area. Disinfect the bath and bath toys frequently to avoid spreading infection!

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Are There Any Side Effects From Wet Wrapping

The most common side effect of wet wrapping can be discomfort cold sensation after applying the wet dressing. This discomfort can be prevented by carefully maintaining warm water temperature. Folliculitis, or infection of the hair follicles, can also be a side effect of wet wrap therapy.

Infection with bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is rare but can be found in some cases because of the prolonged moisture present in the wet inner layer of the bandage. If this happens, stop wet wrap therapy and consult with your doctor. Your child may need antibiotics.

Other side effects of wet wrap therapy may be steroids, if it is used with wet wrap therapy. Side effects include allergic reactions, skin atrophy, and increased risk of skin infection. Wet wrap therapy can also cause dryness if moisturizer is not applied to the affected area after wet dressing is placed.

What Is The Best Eczema Fabric For Wet Wrapping : Tewltect

Remember to always consult your physician or dermatologist before starting wet wrapping therapy. Every child is different, and so is every eczema condition. Follow their instructions on how to wet wrap and seek their advice on how long it is safe to wet wrap. Many healthcare professionals recommend not wet wrapping for longer than a week, because it could start to have adverse effects and dry out the skin. Immediately discontinue wet wrap therapy and Soothems garments and contact a qualified healthcare professional at the first signs of irritation, rash or discomfort.

Never leave a child unattended in a bath or around water.

Some parents describe getting a wet garment on their child is like wrestling an alligator, and the entire process can be stressful for caregivers and children. We highly recommend using special fabrics and garments designed to maximize wet wrapping benefits.

• Soothems are made from skin smart TEWLTect fabric that makes it easier to bring moisture next to the skin naturally and more comfortably. Because the fabric doesnt feel wet and the round smooth fibers dont stick to the skin like cotton, it is easier to get on. The fabric has the right amount of mechanical stretch, so it gives without feeling restrictive and spandex holds the garments shape.
• Soothems hollow fibers also offer a thermo-regulating property to help keep the body at the right temperature without feeling hot or cold.

Wet Wrapping Step by Step Instructions

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For Children & Adults

• Bathe
• Apply creams as directed by your doctor
• Use tubular bandages from the pharmacy which can be cut to size or cotton pyjamas in warm water and squeeze as dry as possible or spin in the washing machine
• Put on damp clothing then a layer or dry clothing
• Leave on for minimum 30 minutes up to 2 hours depending on comfort level. For some sufferers it may be an overnight treatment
• Remove wet clothing
• Pat skin dry then apply a generous layer of moisturiser

As skin improves, taper off wet wrap frequency rather than stopping abruptly. Moisturisers should be applied 3-4 times a day otherwise the skin will become dry and itchy again.

• Wet dressings will dry after a few hours
• Do not leave the dressings on dry as dry dressings can irritate the skin by causing it to become hot, dry and itchy
• Use a spray bottle of warm water to moisten bandages
• Crepe bandages used for wet dressings may be washed in the washing machine
• Do not wash or reuse the disposable towels
• Do not use antiseptic bath oils in the wet dressings as these may irritate and burn your childs skin

Wet Wrap Therapy: Step By Step Guide

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Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a common, chronic skin condition that causes inflamed skin that may crack, ooze, and is intensely itchy. Treatment of atopic dermatitis usually involves medications that are applied to the affected areas of skin. Wet-wrap therapy is a technique used in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in which a wet dressing is placed over the medicated skin.

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Controlling Eczema By Moisturizing

Keeping your skins moisture intact is one of the most important things you can do to help control your eczema. Its important to understand how and when to properly moisturize and which products are best to use when you have eczema.

Tips when moisturizing

• If you use a prescription topical medication, apply it as directed, before you moisturize.
• Apply a thick layer of moisturizer all over your skin within three minutes of bathing or showering to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.
• Moisturize your skin at least twice a day.
• Soften moisturizer by rubbing it between your hands and then apply it to your body using the palm of your hand.
• If the moisturizer feels tacky on your skin, dont remove the excess. It will be absorbed within a few minutes.
• Moisturize your hands every time you wash them or when they come into contact with water.

Finding the right moisturizer

Finding a moisturizer that works can be a challenge. What works for one person may not work for another and as the condition of your skin changes, so can the effectiveness of a product. A manufacturer may also change the formulation of a product periodically as well.

Ointments

Ointments such as petroleum jelly and mineral oil are usually the first choice for eczema treatment as they have the highest oil content and are very good at sealing in moisture. If you dont like how ointments feel on your skin, the next best alternative is a cream.

Creams

Lotions

Skin Barrier Repair Creams

Eczema Wet Wrapping For Children

Eczema wet wrapping is a common moderate to severe atopic dermatitis therapy for children of all ages. A wet wrap treatment can be incredibly effective for short-term moderate to severe eczema discomfort and itch relief. Studies have shown that wet wrap therapy for moderate to severe eczema suffers improves the skins ability to retain water after only one session. Soothems are made from TEWLTect ® skin smart TENCEL fabric enhanced with Zinc Oxide to help control bacteria growth. This eczema fabric holds 50% of its weight in water without feeling wet, only slightly damp. The fabric doesn’t stretch out of shape and drips like cotton wraps or other bandages. It is commonly recommended to add a second dry clothing layer over the wet wrap to help keep bedding dry and the patient in a comfortable temperature state.

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What Is Wet Wrap Therapy For Eczema

Wet wrap therapy is a treatment option for intense eczema flares that are accompanied by itching or pain. Wet wraps work for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, says Kanwaljit Brar, MD, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at National Jewish Health in Denver, where Mary Elizabeth received her treatment. The therapy isnt designed for mild cases. Its considered a rescue therapy, so its something we do to rescue the skin, Brar says. I like to think of it as a skin reset.

The therapy involves wrapping the affected areas of skin with damp fabric, either for a couple of hours during the day or overnight, which Brar says is the most effective and the most convenient for busy families. The therapy is generally used for a couple of days, according to Seattle Childrens, though Brar says it could be used for up to two weeks for severe cases.

During the first week of Mary Elizabeths visit to National Jewish Health, the wet wraps were applied for two hours in the morning, two hours in the afternoon, and overnight.

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Tips For Wet Wrapping Your Eczema Child

• Wet wrapping is long and can be boring for children, so make sure to have plenty of entertainment and distraction techniques lined up. We relied on TV a lot, which was a treat for our son. Read my post for ideas Itchy Irritated Skin, Scratching Little Fingers Part Two: Distraction Techniques.
• Its best to use a non-toxic, natural eczema cream under your wet wraps. My familys favorite is the Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream.
• Use caution with long wet bandages that could become unwrapped, potentially creating a suffocation hazard. This would be of particular concern if the child wears the wet wraps to sleep.
• Cotton clothing made for children with eczema, such as these pajamas for eczema can be much easier for fast wet wrapping. AD Rescue Wear makes excellent full body suits, small sleeves , and tops and bottoms for wet wrapping take a look at their full line of wet wraps.

Wet wrapping worked wonders for us. How did it work for you? Please share your experiences with us.

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Soothems Adult Size Charts

• All measurements are body measurements.
• Soothems are designed with a generous amount of stretch so they can fit close to the skin.
• We recommend that if there is any doubt about size selection, the next larger size should be chosen provided it will still fit snugly.
• Soothems are a personal healthcare, FDA registered Class 1 medical device and therefore are not eligible for returns or exchanges once the polybag seal has been broken or the poly bag has been opened and/or the product has been removed from the poly bag.
• If you have any questions regarding the fit of an item, please contact Soothems at or call +612.601.0700, we are happy to help.

How Do I Do Wet Wrap Therapy

The wet pajamas should be left in place for at least 12 hours, typically overnight. The wet-wrap pajamas should be done once daily for 1 week, then repeated once weekly as needed. Wet-wrap therapy can be especially helpful during times of flares, when symptoms return or worsen. Improvement in symptoms with wet-wrap therapy usually occurs within the first week of using the therapy.

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