EczemaNet Article
Wet Wraps Can Relieve Severe Eczema

If it seems that absolutely nothing will alleviate that red, cracked, and unbearably itchy skin, you may want to ask your dermatologist about wet-wrap therapy.

Studies show that wet-wrap therapy can effectively re-hydrate and calm the skin. In one such study, children with severe atopic dermatitis who had not responded to other treatments were treated with wet-wrap therapy. The study found that the children experienced significant improvements. In just one week, these children averaged a 74% reduction in itch and experienced less sleep loss. Improvements to their skin lasted well beyond the two (2) weeks of treatment.¹ Wet-wrap therapy also has been shown to significantly improve hand eczema.

As the name implies, wet-wrap therapy involves wrapping wet bandages around the affected skin. The steps recommended by your dermatologist may differ slightly to accommodate a patient’s specific needs. However, the basic technique is as follows.

Before the bandages are applied, the patient soaks in a bath with bath oil; then moisturizer is applied. Medication also may be spread on the skin affected by eczema. The wet bandages, which are generally moistened by soaking them in warm water or moisturizer, are then wrapped around the area. Wet bandages can be used on any area of the body that the patient will tolerate, including the face. To lock in moisture, dry bandages are wrapped over the wet ones.

The benefits of wet-wrap therapy include:

• Skin re-hydration

• More restful sleep

• Reduced redness and inflammation

• Less frequent itching

• Decrease in the Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria found
  on the skin

However, wet-wrap therapy does have some drawbacks. It is time-consuming. If you are treating a child, it requires a great deal of patience and supervision. Children tend to squirm when the bandages are being applied and may try to remove the bandages. As one parent said, “It’s not a nice thing for any parent to have to do.” However, most parents agree that the results are worth the effort when other therapies are not effective.

When treating an infant or very young child, moistened pajamas may be used instead of wet wraps. Special care must be taken to prevent these children from becoming chilled.

Wet-wrap therapy is generally only used for a week or two. To maintain the results afterwards, you must apply moisturizer frequently throughout the day and after bathing. Additionally, triggers must be avoided, and it may be necessary to continue using medication.

If you feel that nothing will bring relief, be sure to talk with your dermatologist about wet-wrap therapy. It may be exactly what is needed to “wrap up” severe eczema.

Reference:
¹  Wolkerstorfer A et al. “Efficacy and safety of wet-wrap dressings in children with severe atopic
   dermatitis: influence of corticosteroids dilution.” British Journal of Dermatology, 2000
   November;143(5)999-1004.

An educational program brought to you by the American Academy of Dermatology.