Using Wet Wraps To Treat Severe Eczema – Wet Wrapping

Recently we heard from Claire, who shared some great information and photos about using a wet wrap for her son.

Claire: Hiya guys, just wanted to say a big thank you from a relieved eczema Mum – my 9 month old boy suffers from severe, persistent eczema just like his older sister did, and often attacks his face/head as that is the only exposed skin he can get to. Up until now I was using a homemade type wet wrap on his head to protect his head (which often got weird looks and comments from strangers) but I’ve just this week tried my first ever ScratchMeNot mittens and I’m happy to report that with the silky mittens, he can’t do much damage and can go without the head wrap now.

Such great news! I thought it would be great to look at wet wraps in more detail and share some options to help you use this healing technique in your own home.

What Are Wet Wraps?

As the name implies, wet wraps are bandages or other cloth material soaked in water and wrapped around problem areas. using them comes with many benefits…

• They keep the skin moisturized and hydrated
• They prevent itching and scratching
• They soothe inflammation and heat
• They cut down on swelling and pain
• They may help prevent infections

Here’s a great photo of Claire’s son in his wet wrap using tubifast wraps normally used for babies tummies…

How To Make Your Own Wet Wrap At Home

In order to create your own wet wrap, all you need is a clean cloth that can be wrapped around the problem area. You can use fabric, an ace bandage, pajamas, an old cut up shirt, onesies or sports wrapping. If weather permits, you can even layer your little one in a wet, long sleeved, one piece pajama with a dry larger one piece pajama suit on top. As long as your medium will soak up water and is breathable, it will work perfectly.

After a detox or soaking bath, here’s how to wet wrap!

There are many ways to wet wrap, here’s what I’ve found works for us.

• If your child uses creams, apply that first to clean skin. (If using a topic medication, be sure to ask a doctor first as some steroids are not meant to be absorbed deeper into the skin.)
• Soak the wrap material in cool water. Wring it out so that it’s wet but not dripping.
• Wrap it securely in place making sure that your child can breathe, swallow, and move freely.
• Wrap a dry layer on top of the wet layer to help lock in the moisture. (I find it best to use wet wraps overnight as the wrapped areas will not be disturbed as much.)

Wet wraps are usually used for up to 2 weeks. It’s extremely important that you use a moisturizer and follow the guidance given by your child’s doctor along the way if you are using medication for best results. Some steroids should not be used with wet wraps as it can absorb larger doses into the skin than desired.

If you’d like to take Claire’s suggestion and add ScratchMeNot mittens to the healing process for greater success. Another wet wrap option is using wet wrap full body suits.

A big thank you to Claire and her family for sharing their story, advice and photos with us!

Use the comments section below to share your story.