Eczema - using wet wraps

Wet wraps can be used when your child is having an eczema flare-up (i.e. it is itchy, dry and red).
Wet wraps involve wrapping the affected areas with one wet layer of clothing/tubular bandage and one dry layer.

Why use wet wraps?

Wet wraps can be helpful to:

• Cool the skin and therefore relieve itch
• Provide moisture to the skin
• Enhance the effectiveness of the corticosteroid

When to use them

Wet wraps can be used when your child is having a bad eczema flare-up and your usual treatment is not working quickly. They are most useful at night to help your child feel comfortable while sleeping, as this is when children do a lot of scratching. However, wet wraps can be done at any time of the day as required. Wet wraps can be applied to small areas (i.e., feet, or arms), or the entire body.

What you need

Tubifast tubular bandages or garments can be used, however, your child’s own tight-fitting clothing: onesies, singlets/long-sleeve tops/leggings, and socks are just as effective. After use, all items can be washed and reused. You will need 2 of each garment/item of clothing, one will be wet, and one will be dry. Or your child can wear a short-sleeve cotton T-shirt and shorts over the top if desired.

For facial eczema on babies, a damp washer can be held on the face during quiet time/feeding.

How to apply

1. Bathe your child in appropriate eczema bath, then pat their skin dry.
2. Apply topical corticosteroids to the red/itchy areas, apply moisturiser everywhere else.
3. Wet one garment or item of clothing in warm water. Squeeze out excess water. The garment should still be wet.
4. Apply one wet layer of garment or clothing
5. Apply one dry layer of garment or clothing
6. Wet wraps can be left in place until the morning or until dry. After that time, remove wet wraps and apply more moisturiser. Alternatively, the bottom layer can be re-wet using a spray bottle if continuous wet wraps are needed.

Developed by the Dermatology Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.

Resource ID: FS111. Reviewed: June 2022.

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.