Wet Wrap Therapy

Wet wraps are used to help moisturize and soothe the skin of patients suffering from eczema. In short, treatment involves wrapping children in wet clothing, which can ease the symptoms of eczema. 

What is eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, the exact cause of which is unknown. Patients can experience intense itchiness and pain from the condition, which can lead to damage when children scratch at their skin. Eczema can affect any part of the skin.

Why wet wraps?

Wet wraps offer a safe, easy therapy for patients that can dramatically reduce the symptoms of eczema. It is used in combination with topical steroids and moisturizers only. The medication is applied closest to the skin (if instructed by your child’s provider), then moisturizer is applied over the medication. The wet wrap is then applied and covered with a dry item, which seals in the moisture and medication near the skin. It's easy to choose an appropriate clothing item for the affected body part, like white socks for hands and feet, or washcloths, towels or long-john pajamas for larger areas. 

Wet Wrap Tips

• Kids like to take part in the process. Let your child apply the moisturizer or wet the wrap if able

• Never wrap any area of the body too tightly

• It is OK if your child falls asleep in the wrap; remove it when he wakes up

• Never leave a wrap on the face of a small child while he is asleep unattended

• Distractions during wet wraps may be helpful, so consider reading books, watching TV together, singing songs or listening to music