One of the most effective ways for to treat a child’s moderate to severe eczema is with wet dressings, also call wet wraps. It is THE go to treatment for flare ups.
This nearly miraculous treatment is simple and effective as it allows the skin to:
- Deeply hydrate the skin while soothing sores
- Reducing inflammation
- Relieving itching
- Healing broken skin
- Overall calming the skin
If you find that your child is restless, itchy, hot, or uncomfortable or experiencing a flare up, wet wrapping can be your go to for some immediate relief. The skin will be noticeably different in the morning or even hours later! This is why wet wrapping comes in handy during flare ups. It provides instant relief and cooling for your little one, while providing an environment for the skin to heal quicker than apply creams on damp skin alone.
One of the major benefits of parents have found that using wet wraps lessens the amount of steroids, creams, anti-inflammatory medications, and other drugs they have to use on their children each day.
There are several ways to wet wrap.
1) Layered Pajamas Method
This is a great method if eczema covers large areas of the body and/or preventing little ones from removing treatment altogether.
- Preferably after bath time, layer the lotions, creams, balms and/or salves onto your little one’s damp skin.
- Soak a set of lightweight long sleeved PJ’s in warm water and put them on your little one. Then add another layer of dry PJs on top. Make sure your little one does not become overheated with this method.
- Done!
Safety Note: Please do not use medicated creams or steroids on areas where wet wrapping is used as it may penetrate into the skin too deeply. Consult a practitioner before using steroids & wet wrapping together.
2) Bandages
If your little one has an isolated eczema flare, bandages can be used on certain areas rather than the entire body as the PJ method above.
- Preferably after bath time, layer the lotions, creams, balms and/or salves onto your little one’s damp skin.
- Apply damp bandages to the area, then apply a dry layer of clothing (a long sleeved shirt, pants, socks, etc) to the area to ensure the moisture is locked in.
Safety Note: Please do not use medicated creams or steroids on areas where wet wrapping is used as it may penetrate into the skin too deeply. Consult a practitioner before using steroids & wet wrapping together.
3) Wet Wrapping Clothing
- There are wet wrapping specific clothing for:
- Preferably after bath time, layer the lotions, creams, balms and/or salves onto your little one’s damp skin.
- Apply damp clothing to the area, then apply a dry layer of clothing (or PJs) on top to ensure the moisture is locked in.
Safety Note: Please do not use medicated creams or steroids on areas where wet wrapping is used as it may penetrate into the skin too deeply. Consult a practitioner before using steroids & wet wrapping together.
The great thing about wet wrapping specific clothing, is you can also wear it dry under daytime clothing as a barrier between the skin to reduce even more itching when wet wrapping isn’t needed.
Have you tried wet wrapping? Did you notice the skin mended & calmed down faster?